A Sussex bus company is the first winner of an award for customer care.

Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company received the Commission for Integrated Transport Customer Service Award at a London ceremony to celebrate excellence in the bus industry.

Managing director Roger French said: "It's a great credit to all our hard working staff who do so much to provide the best possible bus service for the city and surrounding area."

The judges were impressed by the performance of the company which has won a string of other awards over the last few years.

They said: "It scored highest following mystery traveller visits which gave us a good feel for whether the customer service claims put forward by the four shortlisted companies matched the experience of the ordinary passenger."

Commission chairman David Begg. who presented the award, said Brighton and Hove's entry was outstanding.

It was well ahead of the other finalists which included bus companies from Luton, Southampton and Belfast.

Judges also praised the way the company uses customer feedback positively.