A Bradford driver is hoping to be in pole position in a national competition to find the Cabbie of the Year.

Nadeem Ahmed is one of three finalists for his outgoing attitude, dedication to his customers and campaign work in support of his fellow cabbies.

Mr Ahmed, who has been a taxi driver for 23 years, said: “It has always been my aim to keep my customers 100 per cent satisfied by being polite, charging fairly, and assisting my disabled customers in and out of the taxi and driving at a safe speed.

“I feel honoured to have been recognised for my work and I’m really looking forward to attending the awards.”

The 46-year-old co-founded the Independent Private Hire Association Bradford (IPHAB) this year, which he is the secretary of.

The group aims to create a better working environment for private hire taxi drivers. It is campaigning for private hire drivers to be able to use bus lanes as public hire taxis do.

Mr Ahmed, a driver for DCW Cullingworth Private Hire, said the organisation represented 20 firms and worked to change public perceptions about private hire drivers.

The winner of Cabbie of the Year will receive £1,000 and drive away with a year’s free taxi insurance.

Competition organiser Swinton Taxi Division is giving the second-placed driver £500 and the third-placed £250.

Manager of Swinton Taxi Division Steve Roberts said: “Nadeem is a perfect candidate for this award. Not only is his experience and commitment as a taxi driver evident, he is also 100 per cent dedicated to his fellow cabbies, and he really values his community.”

The winner will be announced at the Private Hire and Taxi Monthly Exhibition at EventCity in Manchester on Wednesday, May 29.

The two other finalists are from Ayrshire and Hartlepool.