THE man who led York train firm GNER through the aftermath of the Hatfield crash has been handed a special award.

Chief Executive Christopher Garnett won a Customer Service Leadership Award for his role in leading change in customer services through investment in GNER's 3,100 strong workforce.

Mr Garnett picked up his award before an audience of more than 1,500 business people at the National Customer Service Awards 2002.

In making the award, judges said: "Leading the company through the aftermath of Hatfield, in 2000, was itself a great achievement, but Christopher has moved the company on and continues to lead change in customer services.

"Believing that the company's main asset is its people, he has raised morale and pride, which in turn has lifted the service. The trains are now clean and children are waving at the drivers again."

Meanwhile, there was also joy for Harrogate & District Travel and Arriva Yorkshire, who both scooped awards in the bus "Oscars".

Harrogate & District Travel scooped the prestigious Marsh UK Bus Operator of the Year Award at the Bus Industry Awards.

Arriva Yorkshire struck gold twice for "Announce" - its visual and aural project helping commuters with sight and hearing difficulties - scooping the Claudia Flanders Memorial Award and the Innovation Award at the ceremony.

Updated: 11:39 Wednesday, November 20, 2002