Southern Vectis bus driver Leanne Howard has been recognised as one of the top drivers on the south coast.

In a competition against professionals from top regional firms, including Southampton’s Bluestar and Salisbury Reds, Leanne secured third place.

Judges awarded her for her professionalism, exceptional skills during manoeuvres, and overall stellar performance, at a special event in Salisbury.

The third-place prize included £250. With over five years’ experience in the industry, Leanne, known for her excellent customer service, works primarily on the Island Breezer and Coaster services.

Based in Newport, she will represent Southern Vectis and its sister companies at the UK Bus Driver of the Year final in Blackpool this September.

Operations director, David Lee Kong, said: "We are justifiably proud of our drivers across all our operators, so the top three of this annual award have to be very special.

"I’m delighted for Leanne. To be placed higher than all but two of our drivers is an amazing achievement."

Leanne said: "I am still in awe of making it to the final of Bus Driver of the Year. And it was great to be supported by by mum, who is in the process of training to be a bus driver with Southern Vectis!"