A forklift truck driver from a Bury logistics firm has steered his way to victory in the National Driving Awards in the UK.

Tony Warburton, a 58-year-old warehouse supervisor at Bibby Distribution’s Waterfold Park site, has been named Forklift Driver of the Year after showcasing his skills in a series of challenges, including forklift basketball.

Mr Warburton, who has worked at the site in Bury for nine years, hones his skills every day loading up to 200 pallets, including some weighing 20 tons.

Fending off competition from nine other drivers from around the UK Mr Warburton cruised to the title, passing tests on theory and practical skills, including driving a forklift round a narrow circuit with chicanes.

He was then invited to Rockingham Speedway, in Northamptonshire, to be presented his award at a family fun day of racing and awards dinner.

Mr Warburton said: “The competition was quite challenging but a lot of fun, especially when trying to lift the basketball up and put it through the hoop without dropping it.

“The race day at Rockingham was a brilliant experience for me, so to then be named Forklift Driver of the Year was the cherry on top.”