A MEMBER of staff at Excelsior Coaches has picked up a prize at a national awards ceremony.

BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood handed out the UK Coach Awards at the Mercure Piccadily Hotel in Manchester.

Excelsior Coaches traffic operative David Bennallack won silver in the support staff category.

He was new to the industry when he joined Excelsior in December 2011 but had long experience in the local authority.

He is noted for his excellent interpersonal skills and often walks to work at 6am to start his shift, frequently covering a driving job before starting his day in the traffic job.

Excelsior Coaches MD Kathy Tilbury said: “I am absolutely delighted that David has come this far within the business. He is an asset to the company and this nomination is well-deserved. David has become a significant member of the team.

“Within this busy industry we need reliable and skilled staff that can grow and develop within the business and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for David.”