- A First West Yorkshire bus driver from Halifax has been named the best driver in England at the Bus Driver of the Year Awards 2017
- Mick Leech from Halifax received second place overall in the competition and a shield for the best competitor from a depot in England
A West Yorkshire bus driver is inspiring safer practices when it comes to bus travel, after beating hundreds to be named the best bus driver in England and second overall in the UK.
In what is considered the ‘Top Gear’ of the bus world, Mick Leech, aged 39, from First West Yorkshire, competed for the title of ‘Bus Driver of the Year’ in September and came second overall. Mick, who has been with the company for over 18 years, demonstrated his professional and safe driving skills when put to the test against 98 other bus drivers from around the UK and was awarded the title of “Best bus driver in England”.
During the competition, all drivers were tested on all aspects of their job, from practical driving skills, through to customer care and a theory test.
Speaking about his result in this year’s competition, Mick Leech, driver from First West Yorkshire, said: “I enter the competition most years and this is the second time that I’ve been placed in the number two spot. My colleagues have been very complimentary and I’ve probably talked myself into a harder competition next year, because there are a lot of people talking about going for it themselves!”
Paul Matthews, Managing Director at First West Yorkshire, adds: “We’re thrilled to see that Mick has once again received recognition at this year’s Bus Driver of the Year Awards. This is a fantastic achievement as it supports our continued focus to provide safe transport for customers across West Yorkshire.”
For more information on First West Yorkshire please visit www.firstgroup.com/leeds.