Fulfilling an ambition harboured from childhood, Colin became a bus driver two years ago, working initially for Arriva then moving to Classic in early 2007.

During his routine inspection of his bus after a journey, Colin came across a purse left behind by one of his passengers. Immediately on discovering this he contacted the depot and on his return handed into our lost property department. Staff later discovered that it belonged to a 15 year old girl who had travelled with us earlier that day. We were able to return the purse complete with its contents and, in recognition of Colin's sharp eyes and honesty, the girl's parents sent him a card of thanks.

Speaking of this, Colin said, "People leave the oddest things on buses. Umbrellas, briefcases, tins of paint, theatre tickets and of course more valuable items such as ipods, phones and purses. It's as if their minds go blank on the bus! It's great when you get appreciation from the passengers; it's encouraging."

Colin sees himself progressing with and within the industry which he loves so much. He said that he likes Classic for its family atmosphere and, sounding like Patrick McGoohan in "The Prisoner", he said, "I'm a person, not a number."