A BUS firm is boasting some of safest and most fuel-efficient drivers in the UK.

Stagecoach, which runs many of Bolton's services, says 493 of its employees achieved Fleet Elite standard in a worldwide global performance measurement scheme.

This means drivers have clocked up more than 500 driving hours in a year and achieve an average of five or less events, such as harsh braking or acceleration, per 10 hours of driving.

All employees who met the Fleet Elite standard received a special badge in recognition of their achievement and 245 were awarded with the prestigious Master Fleet Elite badge, for maintaining their Fleet Elite status for four or more years, with 67 awarded Gold for achieving three or more years.

Elisabeth Tasker, Stagecoach managing director said: "It’s important to us as a business that our customers are provided with a comfortable, smooth, fuel efficient and safe journey, which Fleet Elite helps to ensure all of our drivers deliver.”