One of our award-winning bus drivers is celebrating a promotion that will see him become a team leader on a flagship trentbarton service.

A decade ago, former BBC journalist John Shaw from Ilkeston swapped the newsroom for a new career in the transport industry and says he has never looked back.

Earlier this year he was named trentbarton’s Driver of the Year for his work on services between Nottingham, Beeston and Stapleford, but the 35-year-old says stepping up to the challenge of leading the red arrow team is a dream come true.

"I've been hooked on red arrow since my teens so I jumped at the chance to be the new team leader,” he explained. “I've gained plenty of experience at Nottingham and, as the current Driver of the Year, I know a thing or two about inspiring our drivers to deliver exceptional service to our customers. “I'm buzzing with ideas and I know there are exciting times ahead for everyone connected with red arrow!"

In his new role he will be responsible for coordinating and inspiring other drivers on one of our most well-known brands that connects Derby, Nottingham and Chesterfield. Alex Hornby, Marketing and Communications Director, commented: “John has already proved himself a very able bus driver with a commitment to always putting the customer first, and I’m sure he will thrive in his new role.

“His promotion also demonstrates how trentbarton is committed to developing its staff, giving them long-term career options whatever their background or previous experience.”