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Rambo named Bus Driver of the Year

An irrepressible sense of humour has helped a bus driver from Nottingham to earn a prestigious award from his employers, trent barton.

Rhamzan Mohammed, known to friends and colleagues as Rambo, has been named as the bus company's Driver of the Year at a special event at Pride Park in Derby.

In addition to the coveted title, he was presented with a holiday voucher for £1,000 and will now benefit from an extra day's paid holiday every year.

As well as commenting on Rambo's sense of humour, the mystery travellers who judged the award also commented on the 22 year-old's cheerful and helpful approach and his ability to provide a smooth and comfortable journey.

The gala awards ceremony, hosted by magician and TV celebrity, Paul Daniels, are now in their eighth year and are part of an ongoing customer service programme by trent barton.

Every month drivers are rated on their presentation and appearance, attitude to passengers, customer care and courtesy, with monthly winners going through to the finals of the 'Driver of the Year - Really Good Service' awards.

Rhamzan was joined at the awards by Driver of the Year runner-up Clive Potts, from Derby, and Mandy Hunt, from Heanor, who was highly commended. Clive drives a Red Arrow coach and judges noted that he had a cheery word and a smile for customers whilst Mandy, who is based in Langley Mill, was complimented for her confident driving and welcoming smile.

During the evening the company also handed out three 'Outstanding Achievement' awards for customer service.

The winner, Glen Gregory from Nottingham, was driving the Long Eaton 'xprss' bus when a customer was taken seriously ill. Glen took charge of the situation and called for an ambulance whilst making sure the man was as comfortable as possible.

He then saw to it that his other passengers were quickly and safely transferred to another bus, before going to sit with the patient until help arrived.

Runner up Alex Mellor was praised for helping an elderly lady who collapsed on board his bus between Ilkeston and Nottingham. Alex, from Horsley Woodhouse, monitored the lady's condition whilst waiting for an ambulance and called the emergency services a second time when her condition deteriorated.

Driver Mick Smith from Derby was highly commended for coming to the rescue of a customer who fell and broke his arm after getting off a bus in Allestree. Mick sat with the man until paramedics arrived, having helped other passengers on to another bus.

Jeff Counsell, Managing Director of trent barton, said: "Once again our awards were a huge success and a real celebration of the efforts our staff make to ensure all our customers receive the levels of service they deserve. 

"All of the finalists help to highlight the dedication and commitment to customer care that is typical of the whole trent barton team. 

"Every day our drivers do a difficult job in running to a timetable in often difficult traffic conditions but they still find time to engage with customers and to assist them whenever they need help."