Two bus drivers have been recognised among the best in the country after securing top-10 finishes in a national competition.
Dawid Zochowski and Kevin Shanks, both drivers for Go North East, impressed judges at the National Bus Driver of the Year competition, held in Blackpool.
Mr Zochowski, based at the Sunderland depot, finished fourth overall and was named Best Newcomer by the Road Operators’ Safety Council (ROSCO).
He said: "I really enjoyed the experience of the competition from start to finish.
"I’d like to compete again next year and hopefully do even better."
Mr Zochowski followed in the footsteps of his father, who is also a driver at the Sunderland depot.
Mr Shanks, an Armed Forces veteran based at the Consett depot, placed ninth in his first time competing.
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Ben Gilligan, managing director of Go North East, said: "We’re so proud of what Dawid and Kevin have achieved on the national stage.
"It’s a testament to the talent of our driving colleagues at Go North East as well as the high standards set by our training academy."
Both drivers earned their spots in the national final after competing in local heats organised by Go North East’s Elite Bus Driver Training Academy.
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