Sheffield's super driver Chris Ironside is the undisputed king of the road after being crowned the best-of-the-best in a national Operational Safety competition.

His top trucking performance during the competition, run by Britain's leading express delivery giant TNT, means the 47-year old now takes the honour of Britain's top Pick up and Delivery driver

Chris, who works from TNT's Rotherham depot at Hellaby, pitted his wits against dozens of competitors from around the country to land the title of Driver of the Year. His win means he will now be representing Britain later this month, in a global competition against drivers from North and South America, China, Africa, Asia and other parts of Europe. 
 
Under the close scrutiny of competition examiners, he tackled a series of tricky practical exercises and tests designed to stretch his skills and knowledge to the limit.

A delighted Chris, who has worked for TNT for 21 years, said: "I'm really shocked to win - it was a really tough test.  It was challenging but great fun. It's really satisfying to know that you've been judged as the best driver in the land 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.

Chris, who lives in Halesworth Road,  Handsworth, said: "I'm really looking forward to the global challenge - I want to show the world that the Brits are the best, safest and most polite drivers on the road!"

He will be competing in the 'Drive Me Challenge' that takes place at the end of this month at the prestigious Motor Industry Research Association's test track in Warwickshire.

For his UK win, Chris 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 the third place winner £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 Chris 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."