The ‘Mothertrucker’ and one of her ‘trucklings’ shortlisted for national awards

FENLAND’S ‘Mothertrucker’ and one of her ‘trucklings’ have been shortlisted for national awards which recognise women working in the haulage industry.

Wendy Priestley, who runs the training firm Priestley LGV at Sutton St James, formed Lady Truck Drivers UK two years ago because there was no support group for female lorry drivers.

Her efforts have been rewarded after she was shortlisted in the Industry Trainer of the Year category at this year’s MAN Everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards.

A member of the club, Laurie Bartram from Chatteris who drives for QV Foods of March, has also been shortlisted - in the Commercial Driver of the Year category.

The awards ceremony takes place at The Savoy, in London, on May 17.

Mrs Priestley, who is nicknamed the Mothertrucker by club colleagues, said: “I was nominated for the work I have done in my capacity as an LGV Trainer and for all the work I have done in encouraging women to go into the haulage industry.

“They seemed to be impressed that I was hoping to promote 2012 as the year of getting many more women into trucking and hoping to travel around Britain with some of the other ladies who appeared in the Mothertruckers TV programme.

“I am very proud that I have been chosen for this as our driving school is a small family-run business and not a huge corporate company.

“I am looking forward to the lunch at the Savoy and meeting like-minded ladies in the industry.”

Earlier this year Mrs Priestley and a number of club members appeared in a Channel 4 documentary called Mothertruckers, which met members of Mrs Priestley’s club who have joined the industry.

Of Laurie, Mrs Priestley said: “She is a well deserving finalist, having worked hard to earn the respect of her employers and fellow drivers.”