Local coach driver Highly Commended

Miriam Unsworth, with an Ellen Smith coach in the background

A driver for Rochdale coach company Ellen Smith has 'Highly Commended' at the British Coach Tourism Awards.

Miriam Unsworth reached the final six in the Coach Tour Driver of the Year category, after being nominated for the accolade by her husband, Cliff.

She was presented the award by Angela Rippon CBE, at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Wednesday 21 March.

Miriam said: “I feel very honoured to have received this award as it has been an eventful career. It has been enjoyable to be able to accept this after a lifetime of achievement.”

In 1976, Miriam made national and international headlines when she received her public service vehicle (PSV) operator's licence as one of the few women coach drivers of the day. Aged just 23 at the time, her career has spanned decades and many miles, taking her across the whole of the British Isles and across continental Europe to Germany.

Over the years, Miriam has also saved the lives of two coach passengers when they were having heart attacks, and was commended when she was first on scene during a coach accident, thanks to her quick reaction and calmness.

She explained: “I saw the opportunity and took it as I was able to earn money whilst my children were in school.

“I have enjoyed the job satisfaction the most. People relaxing on holiday, enjoying themselves and having fun, it’s just so positive, and I have the best office window in the world. I have a front seat to some of the best scenery across the UK, and it’s hard to pick my favourite spots. I love Snowdonia, but the war graves in Belgium and France are so poignant. And you’re never far from beautiful places in Rochdale if you know where to find them.”

Cliff and Miriam met in 1980 when they were both on tour in Bournemouth, staying at the Manchester Hotel. They married in 1982 and Miriam became an integral part of the family coach and haulage business, driving everything from double deckers, Bedford Val’s, Leyland Leopards – many without power steering or assisted brakes and clutches.

She joined Rochdale company Ellen Smith in 2005 when Managing Director Paul Targett needed a driver to cover a tour.

He said: “Ellen Smith has had 12 years of Miriam’s undoubted excellence. She has improved the standards of all our drivers by simply excelling in all her coaching duties. She has raised the bar to which they strive to achieve.

“Miriam is punctual, fastidious without being obsessive, friendly, professional, kind and courteous to everyone she encounters. She’s requested on a regular basis for private groups and she brushes up on her knowledge before and during every tour.

“I can say without any doubt, she is the best all-round tour driver that I’ve had the privilege to be associated with.”