A BLACKBURN bus driver has been hailed as a rising star at a new company awards.

Bus operator Transdev has celebrated the talent and professionalism of its employees with the launch of its Amazing Awards.

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Chris Reid, who is a driver for The Blackburn Bus Company, was named as Rising Star of the Year, who co-worker Bill Livesey, was selected as Engineer of the Year for his relentless dedication to ensuring the company’s buses run smoothly at its Engineering Support Unit.

The firm organised the ceremony to mark the efforts of its staff based at all of its six bus depots across Lancashire and Yorkshire.

The eight winners were nominated directly by their own colleagues, and selected from a shortlist of 34.

Mr Reid, who is based at the Intack depot, hasn’t been at Blackburn for long, but is already making a big impact with his enthusiasm and ideas.

He drives the Hotline 152 route linking Burnley and Blackburn with Preston, but isn’t afraid to tackle other work around the business, helping to run the local Twitter account.

Chorley’s Dave Spikey, co-star of Peter Kay’s hit Channel Four comedy Phoenix Nights, hosted the awards.

Alex Hornby, CEO of Transdev in Lancashire and Yorkshire, said: “Chris and Bill are both worthy winners, and their dedication to delivering a great service is at the very heart of what makes us a successful business.

“Whether it’s driving our customers safely or making sure our buses are safe and reliable, fantastic people like Chris and Bill make this company the success it is.”Colleagues from each of Transdev’s six depots in the north including: Keighley; Blackburn; Burnley; arrogate; York and Malton – were on hand at the Bradford ceremony to see Lewis and Heather receive their Amazing Awards.