The UK Coach Awards has announced that this year's Guest of Honour will be Chris Owens, the current President of bus and coach industry trade association the Confederation of Passenger Transport. He will present the awards to winners at the ceremony, which is to be compered once again by the BBC's Carol Kirkwood.

The event, to be held at the Mercure Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester on Thursday 10 April, is designed to celebrate all that's best in UK coach operations.

Chris Owens has been associated with coaching since 1972 when his father founded what is now Alpine Travel to serve the local and tourism needs of North Wales. He took over running the family business in 2007. He was elected President of CPT in January 2014.

The awards recognise and reward excellence and good practice amongst coach operators and their staff, looking for the individuals and operators who go that extra mile to make their customers' trip that extra bit special.

UK Coach Awards chairman Allan Edmondson said, "We're delighted that Chris is able to accept our invitation to present the prizes. His long experience of the industry makes him an ideal person to greet our winners on 10 April."

Booking for the event is now open, and further details can be seen by clicking here.

ENDS