North East bus companies and organisations are today celebrating their success in the prestigious 2011 UK Bus Awards.

Blyth based Arriva North East driver, Paul Ferry, is Highly Commended in the fiercely fought competition to find the Top National Bus Driver.

Also celebrating a Highly Commended award is the Newcastle-based Arriva and Quorum Business Park’s joint initiative to increase public transport use for staff employed there in the Putting Passengers First category.

They were selected from over 250 highly competitive entries in 20 categories from across the country and were presented with their prizes before 650 industry movers and shakers at today’s glittering awards ceremony held at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Congratulating all the shortlisted entries, UK Bus Awards chairman John Owen commented: “In these difficult and uncertain times, we’ve been both surprised and delighted by the number and quality of entries for the 2011 UK Bus Awards.

“The combination of rising fuel prices and cuts in public spending are making life particularly difficult for everybody involved in bus service provision at the moment. Even so, our judges were really impressed by the commitment to quality and innovation shown by bus operators, local authorities and their partners in this, the Awards' 16th year,” he continued.

“Over five billion passenger journeys are made by bus every year, and the industry has a huge amount to offer in delivering reduced congestion and carbon emissions. The finalists in this year’s Awards are contributing hugely with their bright ideas and their commitment to customer service. They are paving the way for the future success of an industry which remains firmly at the heart of our national life.”

The lunchtime ceremony was hosted by BBC News Presenter Jane Hill and the Keynote Address was given by Norman Baker MP - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport; Gillian Merron, Chair, Bus Users UK presented the Awards.