This category will be presented to one or more individuals who perform management or supervisory roles in the industry and are known for their hard-work, loyalty and devotion to duty.

In many cases, the ‘unsung heroes’ are the ones who keep the wheels turning against all the odds; no transport operator can do without such people – even though they often slave away for years with no recognition save their own satisfaction in a service delivered and a job well done.

Winner, Gold Award

Joan Johnson - Johnsons Coaches

Known as 'the Mother of the business', 80 year old Joan Johnson has been involved in the business for over 60 years, becoming one of the first female coach drivers in the UK. She subsequently became a courier, very popular with customers and having escorted over 350 tours worldwide. Of all the places in which she has stayed with groups, Joan cites the Atlantic Hotel on the Isles of Scilly as her favourite. Her latest stay there was last year, probably her 40th trip with a group. Joan continues to be involved in the business, and very much lives up to the company motto which she coined herself: 'Travel with Johnsons, travel with friends'.

Clearly having made such an outstanding contribution to Jonhsons Coaches for 60 years, Joan is the epitomy of an unsung hero and a deserved winner of this award.

Winner, Silver Award

Ben Ingram - R S Tyrers

Although having been in the coach industry for a little over two years, Maintenance Engineer Ben Ingram has been an agricultural fleet engineer before joining Chorley based RS Tyrers. Now his responsibilities include ensuring the fleet is maintained to VOSA standards and preparing vehicles for MOT, for which he has established and maintained an enviable 100% pass rate. Ben helps with the development and training of new apprentices who join the garage staff team ensuring they are confident in undertaking any task set for them. He is also keen to progress his own career and has attended many technical training training courses as well as completing the Driver CPC training. He also helps out with driving if someone is ill and unable to do their shift. Ben's commitment, along with his approachability and and ability to undertake his role in a calm and efficient manner has made him an extremely valuable member of the team at RS Tyrers.

Ben impressed the judges with his willingness to take on new tasks and his attention to detail, which no doubt helped him establish and maintain a 100% MOT pass rate.

Who can be nominated?

Any person working for a coach operator continuously for the 12 month period ended 30 September 2016, who can show service in a management and/or supervisory role.

… and by whom?

Coach operators, tourist attractions and local authorities are asked to nominate people within their own organisation or with another who, in their view, qualify for this recognition.

Criteria and Entry Requirements

The award will be made on the basis of the quality of the submissions made, which need to set out:

• The nominee’s length of service
• The nature and extent of their current responsibilities
• The consistency of the nominee’s record of achievement
• The sustainability of the entrant’s contributions