Top National Award for Wigton Coach Company
REAYS Coaches of Cumbria has won a top award at the company’s debut in the prestigious UK Coach Rally.

The Wigton-based firm celebrated winning the coveted Concours d’Elegance in the Mini/Midi class at the 2008 awards in Brighton.

The judges voted for Reays’ immaculately turned out 33-seat vehicle, which has a Mercedes-Benz engine and chassis.

They also praised its top-of-the-range facilities and distinctive livery.

Operations manager Chris Bowness had driven the luxury new coach down to the south coast, with company owners Chris and Nicola Reay as his passengers, to take part in the annual national event – now in its 54th year.

Nicola, the firm’s finance director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won one of the major awards, especially as this was the first time we have ever taken part in the UK Coach Rally down in Brighton. “We take tremendous pride in our fleet of vehicles and it is great for our work to be officially recognised by experts in the business.”

The firm almost picked up another award, coming second in the Mini/Midi driver of the Year category after competing against more than 50 rivals in an 80-mile road safety rally and series of skill tests.

Managing director Chris Reay added: “These awards are the Oscars for coach operators, manufacturers and drivers. It shows we are among the UK’s elite when it comes to the quality and safety of our coaches as well as the expertise of our drivers.”

Reays has 30 coaches in its fleet of vehicles, which also includes wedding limousines.