Essex

Fancy Dress Superstar

Outstanding service award given to driver responsible for charity collectio

A fundraising bus driver in Colchester has won an award for his work in the community.

Kevin Howard " known as "Noddy' to his friends " is responsible for the fancy dress collections that have become an Essex tradition in Colchester every Christmas, raising money for St Helena Hospice.

Kevin has been driving with First for nearly 10 years and organising the December charity collections for three " but he already has plans to make 2009 his fourth year.

He said: "I am flattered people think so well of me, I had no idea!

"I have first-hand experience of the good works that St Helena Hospice does, so its a real surprise to me to be receiving an award for helping out! The fancy dress is always fun, and people in Colchester are very generous.

"St Helena Hospice is a cause that is very close to my heart, as it is for so many Essex employees, who have been personally involved with them.'

Jackie Schubert-King, who nominated Kevin for the award, said: "Kevin works so hard " he takes on all of the organising of the collections in his own time and never complains.

"He is very popular among his colleagues for being cheerful and helpful, and he makes sure everyone gets into the Christmas spirit with the collections each year. I am really pleased he won, he really deserves it.'

In 2008, First drivers wore fancy dress during December to collect money for St Helena Hospice. Over these days, characters like Tigger and Father Christmas could be seen driving buses around the town.

The collections saw Colchester residents giving more then ever before, despite the economic downturn, helping to raise over £2,000 for the Hospice.

St Helena Hospice opened in Colchester in 1985 and is for anyone who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. All services are free to patients and their families " this service relies heavily on the support and generosity of donations.

The Hospice provides a range of specialist palliative care services through community and inpatient services working from sites in Colchester and Clacton.

Heather Buxton, Community Fundraiser, St Helena Hospice said: "We are so delighted that Kevin has won this award. His fundraising work for the Hospice over the past few years has been wonderful and his energy and enthusiasm are simply brilliant.

"Not only has Kevin raised a great deal of money for St Helena Hospice he has also given a lot of fun and happiness to people shopping in Colchester over the Christmas period. A big thank you to Kevin from all of us here at St Helena Hospice and congratulations on this very well deserved award.'

Alan Pilbeam, MD for First Essex, said: "All our employees are Superstars in their own rights " but its when someone goes that much further that we want to stand up straight and tall and shout about it'

Every month one prized employee has gone beyond the call of duty is chosen from nominations by colleagues and customers. Each month's winner receives £100 High Street store shopping vouchers in recognition of their contribution to the business and service to customers. Customers with a successful nomination with themselves a months free travel across Essex.

Nomination forms are available on board buses, in travel shops " or can be completed online at www.firstgroup.com/superstars