South & West Wales - De a Gorllewin Cymru

Local man named frontline employee of the year at national awards.

MARTIN JONES (52) a bus driver from Maesteg, South Wales has been named frontline employee of the year at the prestigious National Transport Awards in London.

The ceremony, which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Londons Park Lane last week (Wednesday 22 July) was hosted by writer, broadcaster and television presenter Hardeep Singh Kohli. It was attended by more than 700 people, including leaders of industry and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Paul Clark MP.

Nominated for his efforts to save the lives of two passengers in South Wales last year, Martin beat off stiff competition from eight other worthy candidates, including two other First bus workers, to take the title.

Martin's award winning actions occurred last August when, having finished his shift, he spotted that 86"year-old Frank Thomas had collapsed on the floor of Maesteg Bus Station with a suspected heart attack. He immediately went to Mr Thomas' aid, calling an ambulance and staying with him and his wife until the paramedics arrived. While the couple rushed to hospital he then went the extra mile, taking their shopping home for them leaving it with one of their neighbours until they returned from hospital. Less than two weeks later Martin's quick thinking helped save another passenger. Having spotted a girl slip into a diabetic coma on his bus, he diverted his service to call at the nearest hospital ensuring that the young girl was able to receive treatment immediately.

At the time, Martin's actions were praised by John Viney, Acting Locality Manager for the Bridgend area of the Welsh Ambulance Service, who said: "Martin did a fantastic job coming to the aid of not one but two very ill people in such a short space of time and the fact that he stayed calm and professional throughout is a great credit to him."

Modest to the core, Martin continues to play down his role in helping to save the lives, insisting it is what anyone would do in a similar situation, but bosses at First Cymru - the company Martin works for " have continued to praise his actions. Tony McNiff, Managing Director, First Cymru said: "There is no doubt that Martin's actions on these two occasions helped saved lives. It is unusual to be involved in as many high-pressure situations in such a short space of time, but the very fact that our drivers work all over South and West Wales interacting with many hundreds of people every day, means the job is unpredictable. We are delighted that his efforts have been recognised and rewarded in such a high profile way."

Sir Moir Lockhead OBE, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of FirstGroup Plc joined with Nicola Shaw, Director, Bus - UK, Ireland and Germany, to congratulate Martin on his award win.

Sir Moir Lockhead, OBE, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of FirstGroup Plc, said: "Martin Jones is typical of the high quality of our staff when faced with unexpected and sudden circumstances. On two occasions when two of his customers took ill he displayed great courage and presence of mind and his swift and decisive action saved their lives. On a lighter note he made sure their shopping was delivered home. Martin is a credit to himself, his family and our company."

Nicola Shaw, Director, Bus - UK, Ireland and Germany added: "Martin is a credit to the bus industry and we are incredibly proud of his actions. It was an honour to meet him in person on Wednesday; he thoroughly deserves the title that has been bestowed on him."

Earlier this month Martin was named First Cymrus Superstar of the Year, picking up a specially engraved silver star and a cheque for £500. He now goes forward to the First UK Bus national superstar final (due to be held in February 2010), which could see him win a five star holiday for him and his family, up to the value of £5,000.