A BUS company has picked up a host of awards at a top industry ceremony.

Brighton and Hove Buses picked up gold for top city operator and putting passengers first at the UK Bus Awards last week.

The company was also applauded for its projects and investment in technology in engineering and how.

Judges said the firm engaged well with the community and showed commitment to an accessibility programme which has been praised by passenger groups.

It also was awarded silver for UK Bus Operator of the Year and body shop supervisor Frank Clasen was awarded bronze for Engineer of the Year.

He impressed judges with his "remarkable achievements" while running the body shop at the company’s base in Hove.

Judges said he communicated and motivated his team while dealing with technically challenging and whacky refurbishments.

Mr Clasen joined the company 26 years ago as an apprentice body shop fitter and has risen through the ranks.

Martin Harris, the bus company's managing director, said: "Receiving these awards shows that we are moving in the right direction in continuing to improve our services. We have had our challenges this year so it is great to see that despite this, the hard work and absolute commitment of the whole team has been recognised and rewarded.

"We are particularly delighted to have won the gold award for putting passengers first with our Accessible Travel for our City programme which we are passionate about. Helping people to have the freedom, ability and confidence to travel, and on improving journey experiences for all, is where our staff have really made a difference."

Sister company Metrobus won silver for Top National Bus Depot for its base in Crawley and was praised for its 24 hour operation for people who work at Gatwick and business commuters.

The awards, now in its 20th year, aims to raise the profile of the work bus companies do and also to reward the achievements of staff.

The winners were announced at a ceremony at The Ballroom, South Bank, London, hosted by BBC News presenter Jane Hill and guest of honour Jeff Halliwell, who took over as chairman of watchdog Transport Focus this year.