P&O Ferries has scooped the title Short Sea Ferry Operator of the year at one of the freight industry's top awards events.

Readers of the publication Lloyd's Loading List voted the company the number one on the short sea in the 2002 customer service awards.

Freight services commercial director Brian Cork was presented with the award at a ceremony at the Millennium Hotel in London's Mayfair.

"This is one of the most coveted awards in the freight industry," he said. "To be voted the top short sea ferry operator of the year is a fantastic achievement for P&O Ferries."