A BOURNEMOUTH-based coach driver has been selected to feature in a nationwide advert.

Lorraine Barnes has worked for National Express for seven years and was selected for her starring role from among 2,000 drivers.

The decision was made based on the commendations of passengers who ride on her regular Poole to London route. Lorraine said she was surprised, but leapt at the opportunity.

“It’s excellent,” she said “I feel very honoured to be chosen.”

Lorraine lives in Westbourne with her partner. Her 25-year-old daughter is Lianne La Havas, a well known folk singer.

“We're definitely going to be getting the popcorn in to see the advert.” Lorraine said.

“I was chosen because of my cheerful, bubbly, personality I suppose,” said Lorraine. “The main thing is my passengers, they really keep me going.”

“I love talking to the older customers; sometimes I’m the first person they talk to and we get on so well," she said.

The role follows a series of accolades for Lorraine, including Driver of the Year 2010, Customer Champion 2012 and recently a nomination for a Bournemouth Tourism award.

“Lorraine is such a character,” said National Express media manager David Wrottesley. “People from her regular line will come up to her and chat to her and give her hugs, she’s a landmark on that route.”

“Lorraine had done a bit of stage acting in school and she was pretty excited to get in front of the cameras for us," he said.

The Go Get It advertisement will be on television screens from Monday and is part of a wider spring campaign run by National Express.

Aimed at a younger audience the ad will be released launching a new blog which offers hints and tips for people travelling around the country to encourages people to travel more during the spring. The advert features the strap line Go Get It’and will show short clips of some of the UK’s best loved destinations reachable coach.

National Express UK Coach managing director Tom Stables said: “Lorraine is the perfect fit for our new advert - with her infectious smile, Lorraine naturally makes our Bournemouth passengers feel happy, she is a fantastic Go Get It! ambassador.”

Nearly half a million journeys are made on National Express from the Holdenhurst road station every year.