A BUS driver has had his face plastered on the back of a double-decker in celebration of a 20 year partnership.

One of the First Buses serving Bradford will be adorned with a giant image of Paul Ackroyd, to mark two decades of a lifelong learning partnership with Unite the Union.

Mr Ackroyd, 52, has undertaken five courses in the last two years at one of 26 learning centres First Bus hosts in conjunction with Unite.

The collaboration between the two groups gives colleagues access to hundreds of accredited and informal courses.

They range from those that directly support their roles and progression as First Bus workers, to wider topics that include mental health and IT.

Courses focusing on mental health have been the most popular with drivers.

Learning more about mental health in a formal setting has helped staff like Mr Ackroyd, to better communicate with vulnerable people who get on their buses and resolve situations which may take place.

Mr Ackroyd, who is based at First's depot in Bramley, said: “I’ve been a bus and coach driver for over 30 years, supporting the journeys of millions of people and I’ve always been keen to understand people to better approach customer service and support our customers."

The 52-year-old has selected courses in the past which focus on children's mental health and dementia.

He said: “I’m passionate about providing a welcoming atmosphere on my bus and, working in a major city, it’s not uncommon to meet customers who are presenting symptoms of dementia or see parents trying to help their children get through the journey.

“By being more attuned to their concerns and needs, it feels as though I am more able to quickly consider how I can make their journey easier.

“There are initiatives to help people inform us that they need extra support – including journey assistance cards or recognition of sunflower lanyards - and it feels as though the courses provide extra insight into not just realising someone needs a little more help, but also having the ability to see things from their point of view.”

Mick Dowds, National Chair for Unite the Union in First Bus said: “The lifelong learning partnership entered into by Unite the Union and First Bus is one of the most enduring within the road passenger transport sector.

"It has delivered educational opportunities, quality advice, guidance and support to tens of thousands of our work colleagues over the last 20 years.

“I believe it to be rare within the bus industry, indeed any industry, to hear of such a robust and continuous partnership.

"It is testament to the commitment of both the company and the union to ensure that learning is more than job-related skills and is open to all our workers.”