AN ASHFORD hire firm has been commended for its dedication to road safety.

Driver Hire Ashford, based at Henwood Industrial Estate, was honoured in the recent National Courier Awards for its contribution to creating and raising road safety awareness.

The company, which provides truck, van and car drivers as part of Driver Hire's national network to business across the UK, received its award from former Transport Minister Steve Norris.

The judges noted Driver Hire's "Mastermind" style road safety quiz for all drivers across its 117 offices, the agency's quarterly newsletter promotions on safe and defensive driving and its work with safety organisation, Brake!

Andrew Padgett of Driver Hire Ashford, said: "This unique commendation from the National Courier Awards recognises our ongoing commitment to road safety and highlights the excellent effort made by this office and all our regional offices."

Tracey Worth, awards co-ordinator, said: "We took the unprecedented step of creating a special award for Driver Hire this year, because we felt that they had shown a commitment to road safety above and beyond the usual levels and on a continuous basis."