LONG serving workers at the city’s bus company have been honoured for collectively notching up 1,160 years on the job.

Fifty-eight employees – whose service ranges from 15 to 45 years – have collectively reached the milestone while working for Brighton and Hove Buses.

They were recognised at a special awards ceremony held at the Amex Stadium.

The event was hosted by managing director Martin Harris and included guests of honour Go-Ahead chief executive David Brown, Brighton and Hove Mayor Pete West and Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Hale who each presented awards.

The Star award went to bus driver Caroline Welsh for her altruistic act of compassion when she talked down a potential suicide victim at Beachy Head after spotting the woman when she was passing on her usual bus route.

The award for outstanding contribution to colleague safety and wellbeing went to Jay Jackson.

Jay is both an employee of Brighton and Hove Buses and a trained special constable.

His role, ensuring the safety and welfare of bus passengers, came about as a result of a partnership between Sussex Police and the bus operator.

He has helped the police with several significant arrests and prosecutions including assisting with the investigation against convicted killer Michael Lane.

The Contribution to the Community award was given to accessibility officer Victoria Garcia for improving the bus service for customers with accessibility needs and for her work supporting local community groups.

The Green Award went to head of engineering Neil Miles for the passion and energy he dedicates to reducing the company’s carbon footprint.

The Driving Excellence award went to Lynne Cornect who was not only voted best female driver in the annual national competition to find the Bus Driver of the Year but is also very popular with her bus and City Sightseeing customers.

The title of Frontline Customer Service Champion went to Sandra Pang based at One Stop Travel on North Street.