A newly qualified HGV driver is on track to win a national award.

Dinka Ivanova, from Winsford, has reached the final of the Microlise Driver of the Year Awards, shortlisted in the most improved driver category.

Boughey Distribution trainer Mike Snee said: " Dimka drives the truck to the exact specification laid down by our truck supplier, Mercedes.

“She challenges the status quo. Her genuine hunger for new knowledge, high level commitment and enthusiasm to conquer any challenges she faces, make her a stand-out driver. Dimka takes her job seriously and wants to be the best she can be.

“Determined to do the job right, Dimka undoubtedly sets very high standards for other drivers. She is very conscientious, placid, calm and takes everything in her stride. "

Dimka will be swapping her truck for a Porsche on a track day driving experience as a prize for being shortlisted.

Dimka said: “I was thrilled to hear that I’ve made the final of the Most Improved Driver award, it’s a real honour particularly as I have only been with the company for a year. "I really enjoy my work and driving offers a totally flexible and adaptable career which means my husband, also a driver for Boughey, and I can arrange our driving hours to suit our lifestyle and to accommodate our childcare needs.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to my colleagues at Boughey who nominated me."

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Dimka qualified as a driver in January 2018 and she was unanimously nominated by her colleagues at Boughey who work with her each day and believe she deserved acknowledgement for the exceptional improvements she’s demonstrated in her driving ability.

Mike said one of Dimka's key strengths is her ability to listen, take on board new information and then apply it.

Mike said "Dimka has achieved a 100 per cent improvement in her performance data, a result of her simply listening to good advice and utilising fuel economy guidance provided by her husband, one of our experienced drivers who has always performed well in this area.

"Her fuel economy improvement is exceptional for a day driver.

"Her positive attitude, together with her courteous and considerate nature, ensure she is a real hit with both customers and colleagues. Importantly too, she always has a smile on her face.”

Transport planning colleagues describe Dimka as phenomenal and say she is an excellent role model, not only for the company but for the industry too.

The Microlise awards are the UK’s premier HGV driver awards programme which recognise outstanding driver performance and excellence.