A DEDICATED bus driver who has never had a sick day in five years has been named the best in the country.

Maks Pruszewicz from Reading Buses was crowned the winner of the Driver of the Year at the UK Bus Awards following regular praise from satisfied passengers.

The 56-year-old from Calcot was selected from 580 employees to represent Reading at the 'Bus Oscars' and it was a double success for the bus company.

Dan Bassett, head of operations, won the Young Manager of the Year prize and both victories were a first for Reading Buses.

Maks said: “I am overwhelmed and so very honoured. This award is not for myself, but for team Reading Buses.”

The judges recognised his outstanding dedication to the company after he won the Star of the Year accolade.

Martijn Gilbert, CEO of Reading Buses, added: “Whether it is our customers or employees, we really care about people.

“We are immensely proud of both Maks and Dan's superb achievements.

“I am deeply passionate about our people and, along with the rest of the management team, put a lot of focus into continuing to improve the support and engagement of our workforce."

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for Transport, said: “Reading Buses track record in the national UK Bus Awards is second to none.

"The achievement this year focuses on individual awards and my congratulations to everyone involved for showing such high levels of customer service and as a major employer in Reading.

"The council will continue to work alongside colleagues at Reading Buses to deliver a bus service the town can continue to be proud of.”

Reading Buses was shortlisted for four UK Bus Awards this year and achieved runner-up in the New Horizon category for the use of smartphone technology.

“I am absolutely thrilled and this award truly reflects the whole operation at Reading Buses,” the head of operations said.

“I would not be a winner without the support of a fantastic operations team and great set of drivers, especially given that we now have the UK’s best bus driver in Maks.”