A Stagecoach bus driver from the Dunfermline depot has been named as one of the best in the UK.

Brian Mackie was awarded third place at the Bus Driver of the Year Awards in Blackpool at the start of the month.

The 97 drivers who made it to the final were put through a series of tests including a theory examination and an on-road driving course, to see how they handle the tricky driving manoeuvres needed for a specially registered route along the iconic promenade.

Brian, who has worked with Stagecoach since October 2002 and won the East Scotland bus driver of the year title in June, won £2,000 and a trophy for his efforts.

He was joined in Blackpool by Aleksei Solovjov and Angela Robb, Dunfermline depot colleagues who also qualified for the finals.

David Frenz, operations director at Stagecoach East Scotland, said: "We're all very proud of Angela, Aleksei and Brian's efforts in Blackpool, at the Bus Driver of the Year competition.

"Congratulations go to Brian who yet again performed exceptionally to finish in 3rd place overall.

"There's a significant amount of work that goes into preparing for the event, as well as hosting our own event in Dunfermline, and I'd like to praise everyone for their efforts this year."

Lee Strachan, operations manager at the Dunfermline depot, said: "We would like to congratulate Brian on his success this year, placing 3rd overall and being the highest placed Stagecoach competitor at this year’s competition which really is a fantastic achievement."