AN award-winning Keighley bus driver is to be the voice of a national Government advertising campaign.

Stephanie Graham will be heard by millions of listeners to national and local radio stations.

The aim of the campaign is to remind public transport users to observe social distancing, wear face coverings while travelling and wash or sanitise hands before and after their journey.

Stephanie, who works for Keighley Bus Company, was chosen for the role by the Department for Transport after she became the first winner of a ‘customer choice’ accolade at parent firm Transdev’s ‘Amazing’ awards earlier this year.

She said she was delighted to be selected for the campaign.

“I’m very proud to play my part in helping to get essential safety information across to people who travel by bus,” Stephanie added.

“At a time like this, it’s vital that we do everything we can to make sure customers are well informed before making a journey with us.

“I’m looking forward to hearing the radio messages. While I’m sure one or two of my regular customers will know it’s me, the most important thing is to get the message out there that bus travel can be safe for everyone if we all follow the simple guidelines to control the virus and save lives.”

The search for a bus driver to become the voice of the campaign was supported by the Confederation for Passenger Transport, a trade association representing the UK’s bus and coach industry.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic it has been backing the Department for Transport’s Safer Transport initiative.

Posters at bus stops, online information and social media images have been among the measures used to help get the message across to the public.

Transdev chief executive officer, Alex Hornby, applauds the campaign.

He added: “We’re delighted that Stephanie’s voice will be heard on radios across the country.

“Stephanie epitomises everything that’s amazing about the people who deliver our services to thousands of customers across the north every day.

“Buses have a vitally important role to play in restarting the nation’s economy safely, after helping key workers and those who depend on us to access essential services throughout the lockdown. We fully endorse the safety messages behind this campaign and with Stephanie as its voice, we’re sure it’ll be heard and heeded throughout the country.”