Passengers' praise wins best bus driver a £5,000 holiday

Brian Schofield, 43, from Middleton, Leeds, has won a 5,000 holiday of a lifetime after being chosen a winner from more than 20,000 First bus staff across Britain as part of a company competition.

Mr Schofield, who has been a bus driver for 17 years and works from First's Hunslet Park depot, was nominated because of his consistent quality of service to his customers.

His passengers described him as a – very polite and helpful driver always cheerful and always considerate to the elderly; another said he had waited for a passenger to board after they had arrived late at the bus stop and another praised Mr Schofield for always waiting for them to sit down before setting off.

The Superstars Scheme, which is designed to encourage and reward excellent customer service, runs annually within First across Britain. The national winner of the competition was announced at FirstGroup's annual dinner in Aberdeen.

Mr Schofield confessed: "I have been a bit taken aback by all this fuss as all I was doing was my regular job as a bus driver in Leeds.

"The best part of all this is that it is my passengers who have taken time out to write nice things about me.

"I have yet to decide where to go on holiday but my wife and I like Malta or Tenerife and so we may start to plan a trip to one of those holiday destinations."

Chief executive of FirstGroup Sir Moir Lockhead said: "Superstars was set up to find those members of First staff that 'go the extra mile' at work.

"I am delighted that Brian has won this prize after being praised by 60 of his customers in Leeds and I hope he enjoys this holiday of a lifetime, which he richly deserves."

Managing director for First in West and North Yorkshire Dave Alexander said: "Brian is one of our most well-respected drivers and I am delighted that his excellent work has been recognised and rewarded at a national level."

Mr Schofield has already been chosen as First's annual Superstars winner in West Yorkshire after dozens of customers wrote in to nominate him for the award, which brought him a 500 prize.