Husband and wife bus drivers have been named Hero of the Year by Trentbarton after going beyond the call of duty to help an elderly customer home in Nottinghamshire.
Peter and Tracy Hayes, won the title that usually goes to an individual for their "great teamwork". The 'nines' driver Peter called his wife, who drives the 'threes' when he spotted the woman at a Sutton stop waiting for a bus which he knew wouldn’t be arriving.
Tracy, who was in her pyjamas at home, hopped in their car to collect the customer and take her safely home. The couple, who live in Skegby, met at work where Peter has been driving for 36 years and Tracy for 14 years.
Are you planning an event for King Charles III’s Coronation? Let us know here
Tracy said: “Winning this award is brilliant.” Peter added: “We’ve both put a lot into this job so it is good to be recognised for what we do.”
A driver who waves at his regulars has won the top prize of Driver of the Year in Trentbarton’s 2022-23 really good service awards. Freddie Dempsey, who drives the 'sixes' between Derby, Belper, Ripley and Bakewell, won Driver of the Year in the ceremony at Nottingham Trent University. The 42-year-old who lives in Duffield, Derbyshire, bagged a shiny cup, an extra day off work every year and £1,000 to spend on a holiday.
Colleague Choice was won by Andy Worthington, a driver based at Langley Mill who drives on the Ilkeston routes. The judges said: “Andy is quite the character around the depot and is constantly entertaining his colleagues with his classic tunes and dance moves. There’s always a positive vibe with Andy around so it’s no surprise his peers have rewarded him.”
Voted as winner by the Trentbarton team, Andy, 62, who lives in Brinsley, said: “It’s lovely to win this award. I really appreciate it.”
Dozens of passengers voted for the Customer Choice winner Joanne Rich who drives Nottingham's Skylink. Joanne, who lives in Clifton, received glowing praise from customers, with the judges saying: “Almost every nomination said Joanne made their day whenever she was behind the wheel of their bus and praised her driving manner and smiley face.”
A former nursery nurse who started driving buses 10 years ago, Joanne, 37, said: "“This is the award I have wanted to win for years. I’ll really enjoy telling my customers that their support meant I have won.”
The really good service awards ceremony was hosted by radio presenter Andy Miller. Quizzer Paul ‘The Sinnerman’ Sinha from The Chase was star speaker.
READ NEXT
Anger as vandals destroy Nottinghamshire pub's attractive flower displays
Air ambulance called as motorcyclist taken to hospital after crash
Ashfield Independents 'taking legal action' against one of its outgoing councillors
Nottingham venue in the running at UK's 'biggest and best' bar awards
Prime Hydration Drink to return to Aldi stores - with a catch
