A MUCH-LOVED bus driver is on the road to national glory - for the second time.

Neil Atherton, 37, has been shortlisted for the Chris Moyes Memorial Award in the Top National Bus Driver competition.

The popular driver works at the Arriva North West and Wales’ Runcorn depot in Beechwood .

Dedicated Neil, who lives in Widnes, was chosen for going the extra mile.

Neil has won the company's own national driver of the year once and a regional award twice.

He has exceptional customer service skills and has received more commendations than anyone else at the Runcorn depot.

When a major diversion was in place last year, Neil volunteered to be put on the frontline dealing with the affected customers which he turned into a positive exchange with customers.

Neil jumps into every situation with 100 per cent commitment.

Mark Bosworth, from Arriva North West, said: “Neil is a fabulous example of someone who strives for excellence in everything he does and more than deserves to have this very public pat on the back.

“Our drivers play such an important role within the communities they are part of and the commitment with which they go about their daily business can sometimes be overlooked.”