BUS driver George Cole has been named one of the best in the region.
He was named Arriva North-East's Bus Driver Idol 2005 after he was nominated by customers.
Passengers nominated Mr Cole, who works out of the company's Darlington depot, for his friendly attitude and constant willingness to help.
And the judging panel agreed with the comments.
At a presentation ceremony in Sunderland yesterday, Mr Cole said: "I am very proud to be the winner and I would like to say a big thank you to all the customers who called in and nominated me."
Steve Noble, the firm's managing director, said: "We're very pleased to make George our Bus Driver Idol for 2005 but we mustn't forget all of the other drivers who were nominated."
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