A BUS inspector has received national recognition for his work with children encouraging them to become good passengers.

Stagecoach employee Trevor Best has been involved in teaching children from 30 primary schools in Hartlepool, Teesside, as part of a programme of good citizenship and respect of the law through friendship and understanding.

In the programme, there is a slot to promote bus safety, brought about as a result of a fatal accident involving an 11-year-old boy, 15 years ago.

Mr Best has played an active role in supporting this by organising presentations to school children from the age of four to 11.

He has developed the presentation to include a talk, video, question time and visit to a service bus.

The NFBU Welcome Awards is the only scheme of its type aimed at improving standards for bus passengers. Mr Best was presented with the award by Transport Minister, Keith Hill, at the London headquarters of the society of motor manufacturers and traders.

Doctor Caroline Cahm, chairwoman of the NFBU said: "Schools, bus operators and the police need to work together to educate children to become good bus passengers who do not behave in such a way as to endanger the safety of both themselves and others on buses.

"Clearly, Trevor Best has made a very significant contribution, well above the call of duty, to this community effort in Hartlepool."

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