King of the forklift truck drivers Tracy Collins has proved yet again that when it comes to uplifting experiences, nobody does it better.

Tracy, from Ullesthorpe near Lutterworth in Leicestershire has been crowned the best-of-the-best for the second year running in a national Operational Safety Competition run by the UK's leading express delivery company, TNT.

Tracy pitted his wits against dozens of competitors from around the country to land the title of Fork Lift Truck Driver of the Year.
 
Under the close scrutiny of examiners, he tackled a series of tricky practical exercises and tests designed to stretch his skills and knowledge to the limit. Tracy, who is based at TNT's Fashion Group depot at Magna Park Industrial Park near Lutterworth, was delighted by his success.

"It's great to win again. It really doesn't get any easier - you have to have a steady nerve and know what you're doing. The £2,000 top prize is really handy, especially in this economic climate."

Held at TNT's Kingsbury Parcels Sortation Hub in Staffordshire, the safety competition recognises excellence and best practice among the company's drivers, forklift truck operators and loading bank operatives.

Tracy, 48, who has worked for TNT for eight years, collected the cash prize 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.

"Tracy has proved yet again that he really is the best of the best. This competition recognises the excellent contribution that our loaders, fork lift truck operators and drivers make to the success of the business - people like Tracy really are the lifeblood of TNT.

"This event 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."