TWO East Lancashire bus drivers are vying to be named the best in the business.

David Morris and Andrew Bowman, who both drive for Transdev, have been shortlisted for the annual Bus Driver of the Year award, which is viewed as the industry’s premier driving skills competition.

They are among 125 hopefuls from across the whole of the UK who have reached the grand final in Blackpool on Saturday and Sunday.

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They will discover who will take the crown after all drivers take theory and practical skills tests during the event, which takes place at the Hilton Hotel.

Mr Morris, who lives in Burnley, said: “I feel proud and excited to be going to the final. It’s every driver’s dream to be named Bus Driver of the Year.”

Mr Bowman, who lives in Nelson, said: “Even though we drive buses day in and day out, it will still be nerve-wracking doing the theory test and practical skills challenges knowing you’re up against drivers from across the country.”

Mr Morris is based at Transdev’s Blackburn depot and regularly drives the company’s Lancashire United and Hyndburn Connect services. Meanwhile, Mr Bowman drives from the firm’s Burnley depot on the Burnley Connect and Mainline services.

Alex Hornby, chief executive at Transdev, said: “David and Andrew are well respected by their colleagues and are firm favourites with our passengers too. They consistently drive to a very high standard. They’re a credit to the company.”

The UK Bus Driver of the Year receives prizes to the value of £1,500.