A BUS driver from Wirral has received a national award for his high standards of environmentally-friendly driving.

Dave Birch, who works for Stagecoach Merseyside, has won an award for his consistently high levels of eco-driving, beating thousands of drivers across the country to win the coveted prize.

Every year, Stagecoach challenges its drivers to be as green as possible and each bus is fitted with the GreenRoad system which allows drivers to track their performance.

Using a traffic-light LED system on the dashboard, the system gives drivers instant feedback on their driving manoeuvres, encouraging smoother, safer, and more fuel-efficient driving.

Dave, 62 has been a bus driver for more than 22 years and is based at Stagecoach's Birkenhead depot. He received an award earlier this year for over 20 years in service without an accident.

On his latest award, Dave said: "It's great to be recognised for being the most eco-efficient driver in the country and I'm delighted to have received this award.

"I take pride in my driving ability and it’s brilliant to be playing my part to help to reduce emissions and help the company remain as a cleaner, greener transport option."

Elisabeth Tasker, managing director of Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, said: “Stagecoach is one of the UK's most sustainable bus operators and has reduced carbon emissions by 30 per cent in the last five years.

"Encouraging our drivers to drive as efficiently as possible has a really positive environmental impact and we're very pleased and proud of Dave's achievements.

"He is a credit to the business and exemplifies what we are trying to achieve across the region."