David West beat off competition from 11 other finalists yesterday to be named the Freight Transport Association’s Truck Driver of the Year 18 tonne 2016.

The competition, held at Mercedes-Benz training centre, Wentworth Park, Barnsley, put drivers through their paces in a number of tests including driving skills (fuel economy and driver behaviour), manoeuvring ability, risk awareness, legislative knowledge and their ability to identify pre-use defects of the vehicle. Contestants were scored on each task and ranked based on their scores.

The winner was announced by June Powell, FTA’s director of operations, and prizes were presented by Jenny Tyers from sponsor Bridgestone Tyres.

Powell said: "Today’s contestants have shown the exceptional skill and expertise it takes to be a professional driver and FTA is proud to recognise and reward their vital role in the logistics industry."

Second place was awarded to Stephen Bainbridge from Hargreaves Logistics and Michael Lomax from Booker picked up third.

The overall winner of the contest will be revealed at the Freight in the City expo at Alexandra Palace on 2 November.