NINE Bolton-based bus drivers with the First company have achieved NVQ level 2 -- Transporting Passengers by Road.

Jimmy Millin, Clive Gallimore, Gill Shipperbothom, Lisa Dunn, Jayesh Patel, Gerald Mathews, Janice Jones, Peter Walsh and Jimmy Mistry were among 40 drivers from First depots throughout Manchester who were presented with their certificates by divisional managing director Garry Raven.

The training and management of the course is administered through the company's Training and Development Centre in Bolton.

Mr Raven said: "This NVQ is a true professional qualification and I would like to congratulate our drivers on their achievements."

Mr Raven, left, is pictured with the successful drivers.