A SWINDON bus driver is one of the best in the region.

Matthew Curtis, who drives for Swindon’s Bus Company, placed second in operator Go South Coast’s driver of the year awards.

He was up against drivers on companies Salisbury Reds, Southampton’s Bluestar, Southern Vectis on the Isle of Wight and Morebus in Bournemouth and Poole.

Putting the Blunsdon man second, judges said they were impressed by his professionalism and stand-out skills at a special assessment event in Salisbury.

David Lee-Kong, operations director, said: “I’m delighted for Matthew. To be placed higher than all but one of our Go South Coast drivers is an amazing achievement - even more so since this is the first year Swindon’s contingent have competed in this event.”

Matthew, who has been driving for Thamesdown - now Swindon’s Bus Company - for 12 years, said: “We are blessed with many great drivers across the company, and this was a really tough competition,” he said.

“I’m thrilled to have been given this recognition. I’m definitely planning to go one better and work towards the number one spot next time.”

The top five drivers from Go South Coast will be put forward to take part in a national awards event, due to take place in Blackpool in September.