UK's top bus driver hopes to inspire other women

A bus driver has said she hopes to inspire other women after winning the Top National Bus Driver title at the UK Bus Awards.

Zohra Rani, 38, became a bus driver for Nottingham City Transport (NCT) in 2018, only two years after passing her basic driving test.

The award was based on comments from bus passengers, employers and mystery travellers who assess the work of those nominated.

Ms Rani said as she was the first Pakistani woman to win the award, she hoped to give other Asian women the confidence to take on challenges like driving for a living.

Ms Rani works across the network on a wide range of routes, meeting thousands of passengers every week.

NCT said she was its most commended driver, regularly praised for her warm, friendly manner and her ability to put customers at ease.

Ms Rani, originally from the Kashmiri region of Pakistan, said simply becoming a driver represented a significant challenge.

"Where I am from in Kashmir we do not have opportunities to even drive a car, there are not the facilities to do this job for women," she said.

"I was so pleased to get this job and proud to show women can do this job.

"It is very safe and I love talking to people and colleagues and I get lots of support.

"My family is very happy, my colleagues are very kind saying 'you deserve this award'."

She dedicated the award to her late father, Abdul Malik, who she said had always encouraged her to follow her ambitions.

"I am so pleased to be part of something positive in Nottingham," she added.

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.