A Cullingworth driver was due to learn late yesterday if he’d won a national competition to find the Cabbie of the Year.

Nadeem Ahmed was one of three finalists, nominated for his outgoing attitude, dedication to his customers and campaign work in support of his fellow cabbies.

Mr Ahmed, who has been a cab driver for 23 years, said: “It has always been my aim to keep my customers 100 per cent satisfied by being polite, charging fairly, assisting my disabled customers in and out of the taxi and driving at a safe speed.

“I feel honoured to have been recognised for my work.”

The 46-year-old co-founded the Independent Private Hire Association Bradford this year, which he is the secretary of.

Mr Ahmed, a driver for DCW Cullingworth Private Hire, said the organisation represented 20 firms and worked to change public perceptions about private hire drivers.

The winner of Cabbie of the Year receives £1,000 and a year’s free taxi insurance. Competition organiser Swin-ton Taxi Division is giving the second-placed driver £500 and the third-placed £250.

The awards ceremony was due to take place at the Private Hire and Taxi Monthly Exhibition at EventCity in Manchester.