Hornchurch's 'super' driver Phil Menzies is the undisputed king of the road after being crowned the best-of-the-best in a national Operational Safety competition.

Phil's top trucking performance during the competition, run by Britain's leading express delivery giant TNT, means the 59-year old now takes the honour of Britain's best long distance lorry driver.

Phil, who works from TNT's Basildon depot at Hovefield Avenue, pitted his wits against dozens of competitors from around the country to land the top title of Linehaul Driver of the Year.
 
Under the close scrutiny of competition examiners, he tackled a series of tricky practical exercises and tests - both on and off road - designed to stretch his skills and knowledge of his 40ft vehicle to the limit.

A delighted Phil, who has worked for TNT for 21 years, said: "I was really up for this and I'm delighted to come out on top.  It was good fun but, at the same time, very challenging - the reversing test being just one example. It's really satisfying knowing that you have been judged as the best driver out of thousands of others."

Held at TNT's national parcel hub in Staffordshire, the safety competition recognises excellence and best practice among the company's drivers, forklift truck operators and loading bay operatives.

Phil, who lives in Standen Avenue Road, Hornchurch, collected prize money of £2,000 along with a trophy and champagne to celebrate his win. Runners-up in the competition received £1,000 and third place winners £500. 
 
Neil Griffiths, TNT's Director Health, Safety and Environmental said: "The quality and levels of performance of our people have once again been outstanding. Our people are our greatest asset and it's through their efforts that we retain our market leading position in the world of express deliveries.

"This competition recognises the excellent contribution that our loaders, fork lift truck operators and drivers make to the success of the business - people like Phil really are the lifeblood of TNT.

"It's an event  that stretches the skills and abilities of the company's finest exponents of their craft and they set the benchmark for operational excellence and safe working practices."