COACH firm Kings Ferry is miles ahead of the competition. The Gillingham-based

carrier has been crowned Coach Operator of the Year for the fourth time in five years.

Managing director Peter O'Neill also won another two awards at the industry's gala evening, for Best Corporate Identity and Best UK Coach Operator of 44 vehicles or more.

After making the shortlist by meeting the competition's stringent standards, the company was visited by judges who examined its operation in great detail.

Mr O'Neill said: "To be told that you are the best coach operator in the UK today is the best feeling in the world. But we must thank our customers too, it's their exacting standards that we always aim to meet and exceed - that's what really drives us."

Kings Ferry has been operating in Kent for over 30 years and employs more than 100 people at its base in Eastcourt Lane.