Paul wins national Bus Driver of the Year contest

Bus driver Paul Cleaver from Arriva’s Wakefield depot beatoff fierce competition at the 41st national final of theprestigious Bus Driver of the Year contest at Blackpool on Sunday(9 September) to win the highly-coveted title of UK Bus Driver ofthe Year 2007.

One of 127 drivers taking part who represented bus companiesfrom around the UK, he successfully completed the driving courseand theory test with less penalty points than any of the otherdrivers.

Paul Cleaver qualified for the final at a local event held atElland Road (Leeds) in June, at which drivers from various ArrivaYorkshire depots were put through their paces to find the top threewho would go to the national final.

Paul Cleaver also took home the award for best newcomer to thecompetition and best Arriva driver.

The contest allows drivers to demonstrate their professionalskills in a competitive environment and the Bus Driver of the Yeartitle is much sought after.

Arriva Yorkshire’s operations director, Paul Adcock, said“We are absolutely delighted for Paul, the company is veryproud of his win. And to think he was a newcomer to thecompetition, it’s fantastic! He is a real credit to thecompany.”

Paul Cleaver, Bus Driver of The Year 2007, said“First of all, they announced me as the best newcomerand then as the best Arriva driver, but I couldn’t believeI’d come top overall. I was shaking all over as I receivedthe trophy. It’s going to take a few days for the news tosink in.”

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