ARRIVA is looking to find the nation's favourite bus driver, with nominations set to close at the end of this weekend.

The annual Made a Difference Awards aim to celebrate the work done by Arrive drivers, with the Driver of the Year award set to recognise the dedication and willingness of someone who goes the extra mile for their passengers.

Arriva wants passengers to nominate a driver who has demonstrated outstanding customer care, be it helping people board the bus or greeting passengers with a smile every day. No gesture is too big or small.

Passengers will have until the Sunday, December 16 to nominate. After this, five drivers per Arriva region will be shortlisted to go head-to-head for the second round of public votes, before the winner is announced in April.

Lisa Pearson, head of marketing north west and Wales, said: "Every year our drivers work hard to ensure they provide the very best service possible, and the Made a Difference Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate, reward and thank them for the important part they play in their local communities.

"We look forward to hearing the stories about why our drivers have been nominated, and we urge members of public to come forward and share their experiences with us.”

The final shortlisted drivers will be invited to a gala dinner in April, where staff from across all regions will come together to find out who will be crowned Arriva’s Driver of the Year.

To nominate your local driver and for more information, click here and tell Arriva why you think they deserve to be shortlisted.