First has appointed Ian Davies, to the role of managing director for the company's bus operations across northern Greater Manchester.

Ian has more than 35 years of bus industry experience, starting with Bury Corporation in 1967. He joined First in 1988 when his then employer,Mainline, was acquired by FirstGroup.

During his career, he has successfully held a number of senior industry management roles. His responsibilities at First have included divisional director for Yorkshire and his most recent appointment was as director of project delivery for FirstGroup.

Ian said: "I will be working closely with our local authority partners in Manchester to ensure that the services First provide meet the needs of our customers.

"As part of this, I will be looking closely at the management and operational structure of the business to ensure that we maintain a closer focus on service delivery."