A SOUTHAMPTON man has been named Bus Driver of the Year in a south coast competition.

Unilink driver Dominic Carter is celebrating after beating colleagues in Go South Coast’s 2018 awards

Judges based their decision on a range of criteria – including drivers’ professionalism at work and skills during manoeuvres at a special event in Salisbury.

“We are justifiably proud of our drivers across all Go South Coast operators, so the winner of this annual award has to be something very special,” said managing director, Andrew Wickham.

“I’m delighted for Dominic. To be placed higher than any other Go South Coast driver is an amazing achievement. It is a reflection, not only of the quality of his driving – but of the excellent service he provides to passengers across Southampton.”

Dominic joined Unilink five years ago, and this is his first time entering the official competition. He is due to marry fellow Unilink driver Becky next year.

He commented: “I’m pleased to be named as top driver for this year. It’s great to be given some recognition when you work hard to do a good job.

“I enjoy an excellent relationship with those who travel on my routes. I’m proud to have done well on behalf of Unilink against excellent drivers across the south coast.”

Vijayakumar Rajakrishnan from Bluestar was in fourth place and Kevin Green, also from Unilink, who was fifth overall.

Winners from each of the operators at Go South Coast will be put forward to a national awards event in Blackpool in September.