A RUNCORN bus driver has been named as a contender for the title of Arriva customers’ favourite ‘Knight of the Road’, following a national appeal for nominations.

Richard Prescott, who drives the X1 service between Runcorn and Liverpool, was shortlisted for the award after Arriva received more than 100 suggestions from passengers.

There will now be a public vote involving five other drivers to decide on the winner in the North West & Wales region, who will then be put forward for the national title.

Richard said: “I feel very proud to be nominated and it’s nice to be considered in that way. I enjoy driving and meeting new people so it’s an ideal job for me with a good work/life balance.”

Debra Heaton, regional marketing manager for Arriva North West & Wales, said: “Richard thoroughly deserves to be nominated for this award because of his consistently positive attitude towards passengers, providing excellent customer service. He is always polite, friendly, willing to help and is a credit to Runcorn.

“Bus drivers are part of the local community so it is only right that the public will decide who will be crowned Arriva’s Knight of the Road.”

The Knight of the Road award is designed to recognise drivers who make a difference to customers when they travel on Arriva Buses, and is part of the Arriva UK Bus national recognition programme. It is the only award which sees Arriva customers decide on who deserves to win.

The deadline for voting is Sunday, February 23 and the winner will be announced at the Arriva Made A Difference awards ceremony in Birmingham on March 13, 2014.

For more information about the award, and to vote for your Knight of the Road, visit www.arrivabus.co.uk/KOTR.