A bus driver has scooped an award for outstanding customer service after being nominated by passengers.

Mohammed Shabir who drives the W12 in Walthamstow was crowned the winner of TfL’s Year of the Bus award for ‘putting the passenger first at all times’.

Mr Shabir, 58, has worked as a driver in a variety of industries for over forty years, and has been a bus driver for the past 12.

Judges at the annual said that he was ‘genuinely inspiring’ and represents the very best in the industry.

Mr Shabir said: "Building a rapport with your passengers is an essential step – it doesn’t matter if you’re 2 or 97 years old.

"It starts with a smile and eye contact as they board. But a friendly greeting’s no good if your driving isn’t just as passenger friendly.”

The awards took place in central London last night.