A BUS operator has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award recognising its partnership with foodbanks across the county.

First Worcester was named a finalist in the 2016 UK Bus Awards after partnering with Trussell Trust foodbanks in Worcester, Droitwich, Malvern and Pershore.

The scheme has been shortlisted in the Bus and the Community category and was selected from more than 250 entries across 20 categories.

Launched earlier this year, the project allows volunteers and users at the four foodbanks to benefit from free journey vouchers to travel to and from centres with food parcels.

Nigel Eggleton, managing director of First Worcester, said: "I am extremely proud that we have been shortlisted as a finalist in the category of ‘Bus and the Community’ for our work with the Trussell Trust Foodbank.

"Our partnership has been in place for just over six months and has provided a real benefit to local people in need.

"It is very rewarding to see the initiative delivering support to local people who have fallen on hard times. The Foodbanks provide a valuable service to local people, some of who are in desperate situations.

"Our contribution of providing transport means that foodbanks can offer additional help to facilitate the needs of their clients.

"I’m very proud that the talent and commitment of my colleagues and their efforts to improve and support bus service provision in the area has been recognised at the Bus Oscars.

"The icing on the cake would be to walk away with an award when the winners of the UK Bus Awards are announced at a ceremony in central London on 23 November 2016, fingers crossed."

Helen Franks, corporate partnerships manager at The Trussell Trust, said: "Trussell Trust foodbank managers often meet people who have had to walk miles to reach emergency support, and then face walking a long way home with heavy bags of food.

"If you don’t have enough money to put food on the family table, you certainly don’t have enough money for travel.

"The bus voucher scheme at Worcester, Malvern, Pershore and Droitwich Foodbanks has made a real, and immediate, impact – it is an innovative and very practical project which offers an immediate solution to people who are at crisis point.

"It’s really positive to see a scheme, which helps to make even more of a difference to local people, receive national recognition. Good luck First Worcester."