(L-R) Bibby Line Group managing director Sir Michael Bibby, Bibby Distribution forklift driver of the year Steve Seymour, Atlet head of servicing operations Phil Potter.

UK-based logistics company Bibby Distribution has held its annual fork truck driver of the year competition.

Competitors used Atlet Ltd UNS Tergo reach trucks and forklifts.

Atlet is a Swedish-based company that designs, manufactures and sells forklifts.

The eight-hour competition involved a written theory exam and a time-limited obstacle course, which included pre-operative and maintenance checks, stacking and de-stacking pallets and loading a curtain-side trailer.

There were 12 competitors. Forklift driver Steve Seymour was the winner.

Drivers said the competition was "tougher" than last year.

Bibby distribution personnel director Martin Howard said the competition showcased driver skill in the materials handling industry.

"The competence and skill of Bibby drivers operating some of the finest trucks in the world is something to be celebrated as materials handling is at the centre of our business," he said.