A FORMER University of York student has been named as Rising Star of the Year, in the Freight Transport Association (FTA) everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards.

Rachel Beckett, 25, a coaching team leader at Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, won the award which recognises talented people under the age of 30, and who judges believe will blaze a trail across the industry.

She said: “To win this award is an incredible honour. It’s great to see the progress I have made recognised in this way and I’m really proud to be flying the flag for my employer too. “

Ms Beckett was headhunted by graduate recruitment firm Gradvert and supported through an application process to secure a place in the 2014 cohort for the Go-Ahead management scheme in bus operations.

She won a place on the Group Management Scheme and was based at Brighton and Hove.