'Bus driving isn't for girls, they said...Why not?'

Denise celebrates MBE after pioneering service in industry

- MAISIE GRICE

GROWING up, the idea of driving a bus was never on Denise Harrison's radar. It was the 1980s in Ashtonunder-Lyne, and despite both her parents working in the industry, the job felt out of her orbit.

She went to work as a catering assistant at Ashton bus depot on the recommendation of her mother, bringing home £90 a week.

Over the course of an extraordinary career Denise became one of Manchester's first female bus drivers, paving the way for other women in the industry. She is now the Head of Health and Safety at First Bus, and was recently awarded an MBE for services to the industry.