Joanne Price, who works for First's Chester and Wirral operations and is based at its depot on Liverpool Road, Chester, has been selected as one of two delegates to represent the company in the national UK Bus Driver of the Year competition

The national competition will be held in Blackpool over the weekend of September 6-7.

Hearing of her selection, Joanne, who lives in Chester, said: "That's fantastic! I made it to the UK finals in 2006 and so I've got that experience to call on to help me this year.

"The national competition is really challenging but it's also great fun going head to head against the best drivers from other bus companies across the country.

"It demands a lot of concentration and precise driving in a series of really tough tests based on situations drivers encounter in their everyday work.

"I'm really looking forward to it and everyone can be certain I'll be doing my utmost to bring the top prize back with me from Blackpool."

To qualify for the competition drivers must have an excellent driving record, with no "at fault" incidents recorded in the previous year. They then have to successfully complete a detailed Highway Code knowledge test and pass an "on duty", covert driving assessment conducted by a driver trainer.

Paul De Santis, commercial director for First's bus services in Chester and Wirral, said: "Congratulations to Joanne.

"It's a real professional challenge to drive a bus safely on today's busy roads and provide the level of service that our customers demand.

"Joanne is a very skilled professional who loves her job and serves her customers well.

"We know she'll be going all out to lift the UK title and we all wish her great success in the national competition."

The second driver representing the company is Gordon Holmes, from First's depot in Crewe.