A KIDDERMINSTER woman is the running to be named Driver of the Year at a national award ceremony.

Christine Saunders, 49, has been selected as a finalist at the Freight Transport Association (FTA) everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards, which aims to encourage women to bring their skills to the industry.

The 7th annual awards announced 25 female champions as finalists, with the winners being named at The Savoy in London on Tuesday, May 13.

Mrs Saunders, who works for TNT Express in Kidderminster, said: "It's absolutely brilliant. It's an honour to be chosen and nominated by the company and to get through to the final as it's not everyday you get to go for lunch at the Savoy."

Mrs Saunders is a driver for TNT Express, a parcel delivery firm, and also helps the company train their new drivers.

She added: "It's not just men, there are more women coming in. We have got an awful lot to offer not necessarily just as drivers.

"Most women wouldn't even consider it as they don't know anything about the transport industry.

"I got involved in my early 20s, it was a bit of fluke. I was a sales rep for National Express coaches and transferred into haulage and then I got into the driving of small vans and I found I really enjoyed it."

Mrs Saunders is one of three finalists with Rachel Garlick, a HGV driver from Wellingborough and Jenny Tipping, a Royal Mail driver from Bournemouth, also in the running.

Maxine Benson, co-founder of everywoman, said: "As Britain forges ahead in its economic recovery, logistics remain essential to its infrastructure.

"This fast growth sector has announced a huge recruitment drive and diversity is high on the agenda with a huge variety of opportunity.

"We congratulate this year’s finalists who have demonstrated that their gender is no barrier to success and that opportunity exists at every level of the career ladder.”

For more information visit everywoman.com/tlawards