A CHAMPION bus driver proved he was on the road to success by being crowned Bus Driver of the Year.

Thomas Gilhooley, who has worked at Lothian East Coast Buses’ Musselburgh depot for more than six years, clinched the top award at the national finals in Blackpool over the weekend.

As well as the title of the UK’s best Bus Driver for 2024, Mr Gilhooley also picked up the Coventry Trophy, the Road Operators Safety Council (ROSCO) Award, the Unite Trophy and the John Boxall Medallion.

Lothian was also awarded The Bryan Constable Award for the best-presented buses in use at the National Final in the ‘over five years old’ category.

Willie Hamilton, operations director for Lothian, offered his congratulations to Mr Gilhooley, who has been up for the top prize on three occasions.

He said: “We are thrilled that Thomas has been named the overall winner of the UK Bus Driver of the Year event.

“The standard across the weekend was extremely high and our three representatives once again displayed the skill and professionalism our drivers are known for throughout the industry.”