Reading Buses is hoping that one of its driving team has the ability to bring another coveted award to the Great Knollys Street depot.

They will be holding their own competition to select a representative to send to the National Bus Driver of the Year Competition in Blackpool – its 50th anniversary.

Company heats for their Reading and Newbury drivers will be in May with the winner being put forward to the national event as well as spending the weekend of September 3-4 with their partner at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool.

Said Mick Hughes, Reading Buses Academy Manager:  “After entering the awards for the first time in a while last year, we decided to once again to participate so we are looking to find a top driver to send to the  competition on its 50th anniversary. We are inviting drivers to put their name forward to take part in the company’s heats.

“Any of our drivers who provide excellent customer service, use fantastic driving skills to negotiate the roads and traffic in Reading or Newbury and have a good understanding of the Highway Code can enter our competition and stand a chance of success at Blackpool.”

Reading Buses was thrilled with the performance of one of their youngest drivers when they entered last year’s competition in Blackpool for the first time in many years.

Ed Love, 23, who at the time had worked for Reading Buses for two and a half years, gained a top third finish, being placed 31st out of the 117 drivers who took part in the finals.

The company will be assessing the participants and letting people know who wins in May and hope the town gets behind their driver.