A BUS driver from Hartlepool is celebrating success for the first time in the regional Bus Driver of the Year competition.

James Leslie, from Stagecoach's Hartlepool depot, secured third place in the competition involving 1,600 drivers, and was presented with his award by operations director Mike Watson.

First and second place went to John Page and James Lumsden, both of the Walkergate depot on Tyneside .

Mr Leslie is the first driver from Hartlepool to make the top three in the regional competition. The Bus Driver of the Year award recognises outstanding and exceptional driving across all six Stagecoach depots in the North-East region.

To be eligible for the award, members of staff must take part in a driving test at the Stagecoach North-East driving school, with the goal being to achieve as few points as possible.

Mr Leslie said: "I'm really pleased with my award. This year I also celebrated my 40 years service with Stagecoach North-East so it's a double celebration for me.

"Buses are in my blood, though I can't take all the credit for the award as Stagecoach has always ensured I'm up to date with my driving skills through training - really we're all exceptional drivers due to this.

"Hartlepool is a wonderful place to drive, it's a community. For many passengers I drove them to school every week and now I'm doing the same for their children - it's a real pleasure."