Meet David Hind - named the best bus driver in Cumbria, who hopes he can soon be known as the very best in the country.

The 45-year-old has been ferrying people around Carlisle and beyond in a Stagecoach bus for more than a decade, becoming a familiar face on the city's streets.

As well as operating the inner city routes, David also takes passengers over the border into Dumfries as well as over to Newcastle.

After being scored on his driving by a mystery traveller and passing a series of technical challenges, David, of Belle Vue south, has just been named as the best driver in Cumbria and North Lancashire by Stagecoach.

To even get to the local heat, drivers must have a good record.

They are then tested on things like hazard perception and Highway Code assessments, an advanced driving test and a series of challenges assessing the drivers’ knowledge of the width, length and capabilities of their vehicles.

He's now won the award on three occasions, first scooping the prize in 2014 before winning it again last year.

"I was really pleased," David said.

"We have a new driving instructor and she went out on the road with us and I think I was the only one to get zero points, it's all about keeping your score down."

It now means he's going for the very top prize in the industry - at the National Bus Driver of the Year finals.

The competition is being held in Blackpool in September.

He added: "I've been setting myself tasks as when I get down to Blackpool there's a lot of driving involved so I'm trying to get ready.

"I'm determined to win."

The Cumberland News took a trip out with David this week on one of his his favourite routes, the number 67 service from the city centre, to Belle Vue and Upperby.

On the journey he demonstrated why he has such a good reputation with his bosses, colleagues and customers.

Getting on David's bus were passengers of all ages, teenagers, young mothers, grandmothers looking after their grandchildren and pensioners.

He speaks to everyone, saying hello and goodbye and even making sure the two mums who got on with their prams had enough room.

It's the little things which make a difference to David's journeys.

Michael Roszkowiak, 34, from Belle Vue, has got on the same bus for the last 10 years, sometimes up to four times a day, and sees David behind the wheel regularly.

"I like David, I think he really deserves it and he is always really well-mannered," he said.

Becoming a bus driver wasn't a long-held ambition for David though, having seldom been able to travel on a coach as a youngster while living out in the country.

His home in the Caldewgate area of Carlisle was flooded out in 2005 and after recovering decided to look for a new job and found an advert for Stagecoach in the newspaper. He has stayed with the firm ever since.

"I love going up to Dumfries. It's a really nice route and being a country boy I like to see what people are up to in the fields and to see things growing, at autumn time it's especially good," he added.

"But there's lots of things l love. You get to meet people and you keep your eyes open, there's always a new challenge.

"You are driving all day but there's always something different - roadworks, people, parked cars, things like that keep you alert.

"The toughest part is when you start as there's so much to take in. I've found a balance now and take it all in my stride."

Safe driving is the key part of the job for David, admitting that when he and his wife Lesley travel anywhere and want to get there quickly, she drives.

"It's all about the customer and making sure they are safe and they get home or to work safe," he continued.

"Regardless of how late things are running, you have to think about them.

"You really get to know your passengers, when some get on board you can have a little bit of a conversation with them.

"If you are driving safely they trust you."

Stagecoach Cumbria’s operations director David Lee-Kong said: “We pride ourselves on providing great service to the people of Cumbria.

"All those who made it this far are the crème de la crème of our 650 strong driving team.

"I would particularly like to congratulate David on an amazing second win."

The top three drivers were: David Hind in the first place, Wayne Hold of Lancaster in second place and Kevin George of Kendal in third place.

Other competitors were Simon Moles (Lancaster), Andrew Stewart (west Cumbria), Jade Ulyart (Carlisle), Brian Kirkwood (Carlisle), Andy Hodges (Carlisle) and Warren Murphy (Kendal).

The finals in Blackpool will be held on September 3.