This award is presented to the coach driver who has best demonstrated excellent performance from the customer perspective in the 12 month period to the end of December 2010.

To win the title of Coach Driver of the Year, nominees need to go that extra mile to provide the customer’s ideal: a driver who is friendly, helpful, conscientious and mindful of passengers’ comfort and well-being – in short, a true professional and worthy ambassador for the job.

The Winner: Colin Morton, Golden Boy Coaches, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

With over 30 years' experience at Golden Boy Coaches, Colin Morton's professionalism, driving skill and friendliness means that he is the preferred driver for numerous clients – to the extent that the firm sometimes has to decide which client to disappoint, when two groups want his services at the same time.

His knowledge and experience is legendary and, as an excellent ambassador for the company Colin has appeared regularly at the UK Coach Rally and is entrusted with Golden Boy's flagship Van Hool Astronef coach.

His positive attitude to training helps the company to influence its younger, less experienced driversHe always joins in with the fun so that you feel he is one of the party. His knowledge of routes & places is second to none."

Colin has held a PSV licence since 1980, and is described by his employers as a "transport manager's dream driver". They continued: "He can be scheduled to any job and we know that it will be performed to the highest standard."

Runner Up: Nigel Isom, Cozy Tours, Letchworth, Hertfordshire

Nigel has over 20 years' experience of coach driving, the last nine of them with Cozy Tours: his excellent customer service skills and attention to deal are much in demand from customers, whilst his experience is also appreciated by the office staff and other drivers, especially when planning London trips.

The judges were impressed by the letters of commendation – especially one concerning an incident on the M6 when a brick was dropped from a bridge as Nigel's coach passed beneath. His calm and considered response avoided damage and injury, impressing the organiser so much that Nigel was requested for their next trip.

Highly Commended

The following drivers received a large number of nominations from customers, and are highly commended by the judges for their professionalism, skills and customer service.

Les Edwards, Cozy Tours, Letchworth, Herts

Les has held a PCV licence for 20 years, and joined Cozys two years ago. This is the second year in a row he has reached the final stages of this competition.

He has brought experience and willingness to help to the team at Cozys, supporting younger drivers, contributing suggestions for tours and itineraries and developing a 'fan club' amongst Cozy's customers who want to know which tour he's on next so that they can book for it.

Customers who contacted UKCA certainly agreed. "He has a sense of humour and loves his job," was one comment. "It's a pleasure to travel with him," said another.

Mike Fitzgerald, Anthony's Travel, Runcorn, Cheshire

Mike has held a PCV licence for over 30 years, and has worked for Anthony's Travel for the last six years.

"Mike is a great tour driver," say his employers. "We receive many favourable comments about him, especially from the Senior citzen groups. His attention to detail when planning routes, rest stops and visits to places of interest is excellent."

These sentiments are echoed by customers, who praised his work highly. "The talk among the passengers was all about the wonderful coach driver," said one customer. Another referred to his "never failing cheerfulness, unfailing availability when members needed help and his knowledge of the locality and the hotel."

Ken Jones, Anthony's Travel, Runcorn, Cheshire

Ken has been driving PSVs for an amazing 44 years, and has been part of the team at Anthony's Travel for almost 20 years, being employed continuously since 2002.

His employer praises his ability to keep calm in unforeseen circumstances, and he is admired for his skills as an ambassador for the company. "Flexible, approachable and eager to assist," they sum up.

As one customer told us, "Ken is a very friendly man who is very caring about the needs of his passengers. He is an excellent driver who has good knowledge of places, especially helpful to the less able-bodied passengers."

Scott Ritchie, Mayne's Coaches, Buckie, Moray

A PSV driver since 1996, Scott has worked with Mayne's for five years.

"He is able to keep calm under pressure," his employers told us, "and constantly updates his passengers during their journey.  His calm and professional manner keeps the passengers feeling safe and secure - he is an excellent ambassador for the Industry."

"Marvellous throughout the whole trip", "great driver you have there", "exemplary service and a credit to Maynes Coaches" are just a few of the phrases customers have used. One customer nomination on our web site told us that during the bad weather in December, "he was calm, patient, good humoured, informative, helpful (to other road users as well as his passengers) and a consumate professional."

Who could be nominated?

Any licensed PCV driver in full-time employment, who has been in continuous employment on coach services for the 12 months ended 31 December 2010.

…and by whom?

Nominations were sought from group organisers and other coach hire clients for the coach drivers they consider worthy of this award.

UKCA organisers then sought further information from employers and the consent of the driver concerned to their name being put forward for the award.

Criteria and Entry Requirements

As well as nomination by customers, entrants will be assessed on their technical and professional skill. Evidence of this will be required and could include:

• The nominee’s accident record
• Number and duration of safe driving awards won by the nominee
• Technical and professional skills, as evidenced by such items as internal driver assessment reports or marks achieved in a company, regional or national competition held at the coach rallies or other events.

In addition to the skills section, short-listed entrants for the Top UK Coach Driver award will be assessed on:

• Public Commendations
• Disciplinary record

In short, the winner of the Coach Driver of the Year prize goes to the individual who best represents the whole range of professional and customer care skills required for this important and highly demanding job.