A CORNISH BUS company has scooped two of the most prestigious awards in the business.

Summercourt-based Western Greyhound won the titles of Independent Operator of The Year at the UK Bus Awards as well as Medium Operator of the Year at the RouteOne Operator Excellence Awards.

The double-win marks yet another milestone of success for the company which has grown from strength to strength from its humble two-bus operation 10 years ago to the fleet of almost 100 vehicles operating a network throughout Cornwall and into Devon today.

It was at the 13th annual United Kingdom Bus Awards that Western Greyhound were awarded the title of UK Independent Operator of the Year 2008, regarded as the premier standard of quality and achievement recognition available in the industry.

Having faced stiff competition nationwide, particularly from Konnectbus in Norfolk (who won the title last year) Western Greyhound won over the judges and was presented with the award at a glitzy ceremony in London attended by top bus service movers and shakers.

Several judges acting as 'mystery travellers' had examined the day-to-day customer experience of Western Greyhound's service in intensive detail, as well as taking into account broader issues of financial stability, passenger growth and development.

The UK Bus Awards title came hot on the heels of another major win, this time at the RouteOne Operator Excellence Awards.

The competition, run by industry magazine, RouteOne, exists to recognise excellence throughout the bus and coach industry.

Citing financial performance and passenger growth as key measures, the judges awarded Western Greyhound the title of Medium UK Bus Operator of the Year stating that it "excelled in both".

The panel were particularly impressed with the recent success of the Park for Truro (park and ride) contract and evidence of major investment in improved vehicle accessibility with 11 brand new low floor buses purchased and due to be introduced in West Cornwall shortly.

This is the second time the company has won this award in three years.

Mark Howarth paid tribute to the team effort across the operation, stating: "I am delighted that the hard work of all Western Greyhound staff had been given such extensive recognition by the industry.

"The staff are, without doubt, the reason for the success identified by these awards."