THE parent company of Salisbury Reds has scooped a highly-regarded accolade within the bus industry.

Go South Coast has been named as UK Bus Operator of the Year at the UK Bus Awards which celebrates best practices in the sector.

Judges’ praised the firm for its excellent customer service, use of technology, and for the high-quality training and development it offers its staff.

Managing director Andrew Wickham said: “This is wonderful recognition of our team here at Go South Coast. Our focus, always, is on providing our customers with a high quality and reliable bus service.

“We won’t be resting on our laurels though. Go South Coast is fortunate to have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals - and every one of them is motivated to further enhancing the services we offer here.

“I’d like to congratulate all those who have contributed to an incredibly successful year. A massive thank you to my 1,900 colleagues. They made these wins possible.”

The company were also named the Top Shire Operator at the awards ceremony which took place at the Troxy in London on November 21.

The announcement follows success for Go South Coast in the recent RouteOne bus awards where it was named Large Bus Company of the Year.