Last updated 11:37, Thursday, 08 May 2008

REAYS Coaches of Cumbria won a top award at the company’s debut at the prestigious UK Coach Rally.

Honour: Operations manager Chris Bowness and managing director Chris Reay at the UK Coach Rally in Brighton

The Wigton-based firm celebrated winning the coveted Concours d’Elegance in the Mini/Midi class at the 2008 awards in Brighton.

The judges voted for Reays’ immaculately turned out 33-seat Mercedes-Benz .

They also praised its top-of-the-range facilities and distinctive livery.

Operations manager Chris Bowness had driven the luxury new coach to the South Coast with company owners Chris and Nicola Reay as his passengers to take part in the annual national event – now in its 54th year.

Nicola, the firm’s finance director, said: “We are thrilled to have won one of the major awards, especially as this was the first time we have ever taken part in the UK Coach Rally down in Brighton.” “We take tremendous pride in our fleet of vehicles and it is great for our work to be officially recognised by experts in the business.”

The firm almost picked up another award, coming second in the Mini/Midi driver of the Year category after competing against more than 50 rivals in an 80-mile road safety rally and series of manoeuvrability skill tests.

Chris Reay, managing director, added: “These awards are the Oscars for coach operators, manufacturers and drivers.

“It shows we are among the UK’s elite when it comes to the quality and safety of our coaches as well as the expertise of our drivers.”

Reays has 30 coaches in its fleet of vehicles, which also includes wedding limousines.

The firm also runs the official Carlisle United team coach. Its business ranges from school runs and day trips to holidays.