Downing Street garden party for Widnes bus driver following his 'Herculian' vaccine effort

Arriva drivers Neil Atherton and Muhammad Mubarqa in London.

A Widnes bus driver has enjoyed a garden party at 10 Downing Street after an invitation from the Prime Minister in recognition of his work getting the public vaccinated.

Neil Atherton drove Arriva’s vaccination bus in and around Liverpool in what his employer described as a “Herculean effort” to combat the deadly virus, having regularly been seen enthusiastically shepherding passers-by to the bus to have their jabs, while lifting spirits and cracking jokes.

He was joined by four colleagues from around the country including Muhammad Mubarqa whose invitation rewarded his heroic quick-thinking in helping to rescue a casualty in a serious car collision in Mold in June.

Arriva said the event took place to recognise the drivers for their “outstanding contributions” following the outbreak of the pandemic and the role played by transport workers in keeping neighbourhoods connected and services running.

Neil’s good nature has previously been celebrated when he was named Arriva’s “Ultimate Champion” in 2016 to celebrate his wit and rapport with passengers.

He also raised £4,300 for the Trussell Trust foodbank charity last year by walking the entire length of the seven routes that run out of Arriva's depot in Runcorn, Cheshire.

Following the Number 10 garden party, Paul O’Neil, Arriva buses UK managing director, said: “I am so proud of our employees and delighted their great work has been recognised by the Prime Minister.

“The past 18 months have been extremely difficult but my colleagues across Arriva have gone the extra mile for the communities we serve.

“The pandemic has shown the true value of public transport to our society.”