SEVERAL of the region’s bus operators and a local council have been nominated in the UK Bus Awards 2015.

Arriva North East have nominations in four categories and Go North East and Stagecoach North East two each, along with Darlington Borough Council, which also has two.

Daniel Curry, a driver with Arriva North East, has been nominated as National Bus Driver of the Year and colleague Kevin Richardson, an operations manager with the firm is a finalist in the Unsung Heroes category.

Will Pare, who runs the company’s Stockton depot, and Laura Smith, of Stagecoach North East, are vying with each other for the Young Manager of the Year award.

Darlington Council has been recognised for improving inter-urban bus services in the town.

In all 97 finalists have been selected from more than 250 entries and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on November 24.

Tony Depledge, chairman of the UK Bus Awards, said: “This year, the finalists have really pulled the stops out.”