A BUS boss nicknamed 'Choppy' is a smooth customer when the going gets tough.

So much so that the veteran duty manager has been presented with a Lifetime Star award by Blackburn Bus Company.

His calm and collected approach for the Transdev-run operation sees him keep thousands of passengers on the move daily.

Alex Hornby, Transdev chief executive, said: "Sheraz’s colleagues say it’s the small things he does that really make the difference. Whether it’s helping a colleague get to work on time on a difficult morning, or instilling calm in his team when things go wrong, he always sets the best example."

Mr Chopdat added: "I was so proud to win it – I took my wife and family out for a meal to celebrate."