TWELVE taxi and private hire drivers licensed by Waveney District Council have become Premier Drivers, following the successful completion of an NVQ training course tailored for their profession.

TWELVE taxi and private hire drivers licensed by Waveney District Council have become Premier Drivers, following the successful completion of an NVQ training course tailored for their profession.

The drivers from across Waveney attended various training sessions, took part in online tests and passed NVQ Level 2 in Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire.

Skills UK delivered the course training, which was funded by the Learning Skills Council.

The completion of the course qualifies the students to wear the WDC Premier Drivers Badge and councillor Allyson Barron, representing the Licensing Committee, made a presentation to eight of the drivers at the Council Chamber on Tuesday.

Waveney's new Premier Drivers are Ali Colak (Badge 889), Steven James (Badge 696), Daniel Harvey (Badge 882), Brenda Newstead (Badge 580), Sean Newstead (Badge 897), Anthony Newstead (Badge 78), Nigel Page (Badge 697), Vince Parker (Badge 780), Rachel Prescott (Badge 899), Martin Shields (Badge 888), Valerie Stone (Badge 808) and Cuma Yuruk (Badge 880).

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Cllr Barron said: “Taxi drivers provide a valuable service to the community, which is often overlooked.

“On behalf of Waveney's Licensing Committee I would like to thank you for your hard work and the dedication you have shown to your profession in completing this course. Congratulations to you all!”