Two Sussex bus operators have won national industry awards for excellence.

Brighton and Hove Buses was today named the UK Marketing Initiative award winner for its Bus ID scheme to encourage more young passengers.

It is the second time in three years the company has been victorious in this category in the Bus Industry Awards.

Meanwhile, the Cuckmere Community Bus, jointly run by East Sussex County Council and private companies, wins the Buses for Pleasure category.

Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses, said: "It is excellent news. We have encouraged lots of youngsters to use our services.

"Eighty per cent of all the 15-year-olds in Brighton and Hove have been given ID cards."

Under Bus ID, under-16s pay a 30p flat fare for journeys in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays.

A Bus ID Plus scheme is now extending the offer to 17 and 18-year-olds.

Mr French said: "We are trying to make our services more user-friendly and cheap for customers who might otherwise be tempted to start using cars.

"It has been very successful and to be nationally recognised for our efforts is a real accolade."

The Cuckmere Community Bus transports customers around the countryside between Berwick and Polegate.

Its scenic journeys are so popular that the number of routes was increased earlier this year.

The Metrobus service, operated by BAA Gatwick and West Sussex County Council, was named runner-up in the Marketing Initiative by a Local Authority or Joint Enterprise category.

Transport minister Keith Hill presented the awards this afternoon at a ceremony at the London Hilton hotel.