OKEHAMPTON-BASED Moorland Fuels' driver John Bussell has won the coveted Federation of Petroleum Suppliers National Driver of the Year award.

John started as a van delivery driver for Moorland Fuels' partnership company Southern Lubricants in 1994 and grew with the business as it expanded into fuels.  He is now the company's transportation manager. He manages all the vehicles and does the daily routing for both Moorland Fuels and Southern Lubricants. 

His knowledge of customers, delivery addresses and tank installations has enabled him to create many unique delivery solutions for more difficult deliveries.  Despite a 50-mile drive to work every day, John is still always the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave at night, having made sure that everything is fully organised and ready for the morning.

Ben More, Moorland Fuels' managing director said: 'We are thrilled that John's hard work and dedication has been recognised and rewarded. On a daily basis, John can be found driving a package truck, a six-wheeler or small emergency vehicle, depending on company needs. He constantly goes the extra mile for our customers and believes in getting the job not just done but done right.'

Simon Olford, a partner of Southern Lubricants, said: 'Without the selfless commitment and downright hard work from John, Moorland Fuels and Southern Lubricants would not have developed and succeeded to the extent that they have. Our customers ask for him, recognise him in the pub and have even asked him to help with their children's homework.'

The FPS chose John as the winner because of his dedicated attitude and his willingness to do whatever job necessary to drive the company forward. He had to undergo two intense interviews before being announced as the winner. 

He won £1,000 and a glass award. The award was presented to John by new FPS president Mark Nolan at the annual FPS EXPO.