A WORCESTERSHIRE woman is in line to become the top female transport driver in the UK. Christine Saunders from Kidderminster has reached the final three in the driver of the year category in the Freight Transport Association's everywoman in transport and logistics awards. The winner is due to be announced at The Savoy in London on May 13.

Mrs Saunders, who is 49 and works as a driver and driver assessor for TNT Express, began her career in transport and logistics in 1983 as a sales rep at the National Bus and Coach company. She took a career break to have two children and after returning to work in 1990 changed direction and became a small van driver. Later she joined TNT Express, instantly making her an early pioneer for females in the sector.

With a wider interest in logistics and supporting the future development of her industry, Mrs Saunders passed the RoSPA advanced driving test at gold level and became the company’s first ever female driving assessor in 2010. Other responsibilities include post-collision driving assessments, pre-employment driving assessments and supporting the management team in improving the competence and professionalism of the 65 commercial drivers at TNT's Hartlebury depot .

Mrs Saunders said: "I am honoured to be nominated for these awards and to reach the final is fantastic. It's great to be able to assist in raising the profile of women in transport and I am looking forward to the awards ceremony. in May."