AN 18-YEAR-OLD’S coach company has been named as a finalist for a tourism award.

Seaford teenager Thomas Exley, who founded Exley’s Travel in 2018, said he was thrilled to be in the running to win the title of Best Day Excursion at the British Coach Tourism Awards 2020.

He started the business after a successful stint as Seaford Young Mayor during which he ran a series of popular coach trips for residents linking Newhaven, Peacehaven and Lewes.

Through his company, he has continued to supply customers with low-cost travel.

With the announcement that the business has been selected as a finalist in the British Coach Tourism Awards 2020, it is obvious his hard work has not gone unnoticed.

Thomas said: “I couldn’t believe it when I read the email.

“It is such fantastic news and we are so thrilled and shocked to be named as finalists in the Best Day Excursion Category.

“We are still unsure at this stage who originally nominated us for this award.

“Nevertheless, we are so happy that this person thinks we work hard and are worthy of being entered into this award with other such outstanding and successful UK companies.

“Our business model is focused on a small, family-run team who deliver exceptional customer service, offering high-quality excursions for the community.

“We offer a quick and easy booking system over the phone or via our website.”

Thomas said the company played a valuable role in the town’s community and allowed residents greater freedom to travel in more rural areas.

He said: “Not everyone has the ability to drive or has easy access to pick-up points in major cities, so my original idea when starting the business was to make sure everyone in our surrounding community, young or old, could come together and enjoy a safe and fun day out.

“This last couple of years have been really successful and great fun.”

The teenager expressed his gratitude to everyone who had helped him make a success of the business.

Thomas said: “I would really like to take this opportunity to thank all our lovely and loyal customers that have been on this journey with us.

“We are looking forward to a great year with more exciting day excursions planned.”

The final of the competition, now in its 15th year, will be held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, following the first day of the British Tourism and Travel Show at the NEC on March 25.

The awards celebrate the UK’s best destinations, attractions, coach tour operators, hotels and tourism suppliers.

Thomas said: “The Business Coach Tourism Awards is a very prestigious awards programme, so to reach the finalist stage is a tremendous achievement. My small team are really excited about it.

“We will be travelling to Birmingham for the awards evening, and of course, we have everything crossed.

“It would totally blow my mind if we won, but to have been nominated and attend as a finalist alongside other such coach tourism giants is fantastic.”

The company was previously known as South Sussex Travel but chose to refresh its name last month.