A DUO of Reading bus drivers took to the open road to compete for £3,500 at the annual Bus-Driver of the Year Competition writes Nimra Imran.

Ed Love, 24 from Central Reading, and Jamie Richardson, 25,from Tadley travelled to Blackpool for the 50th anniversary of the competition where they placed 13th and 93rd respectively.

Ed Love, who has worked with Reading Buses for four years, and this is his second year in the running.

Jamie Richardson, who has been at Reading Buses for three years, won the Reading Bus Competition to qualify for the national finals.

The Bus-Driver of the Year competition sees more than a 100 entries from across the UK, and was first safely held in Blackpool in 1982.

Martijn Gilbert, chief executive of Reading Buses, said: “I was there with some of the Reading Buses team to support our drivers.

“It was great to watch them in action.

“When you consider there are over 300,000 pcv licence holders in the UK, getting to this final is quite an achievement.

“Their entry as finalists in the national competition followed them winning the top slots in Readings Buses’ own Driver of the Year competition for which the company’s 425 drivers were eligible.

“A friendly rivalry saw them support each other and help try to come out on top in this year’s competition.

“We are extremely proud of both their performances and we can’t wait until next year when we hope that they – and who knows who else from our company – make it through to the final again.”

Competitors are assessed on their ability to adhere to strict speed limits, manoeuvring of the vehicles, driving with due care and attention, conforming to the Highway Code and following designated routes.

The competition is designed to showcase the skills of the bus drivers throughout the country and to reward them for safe driving.

For information on results from the competition visit www.bdoy.co.uk.