COACH firms hit the road to glory at a prestigious national rally.

Rufforth-based K&J Travel and Thornes Independent, from Hemingborough, near Selby, were today still celebrating how they made waves in Brighton at the weekend.

They attended the 50th annual UK Coach Rally, and both saw entrants finish in the top dozen in the Coach Driver Of The Year category.

Tom James, boss of K&J, and Jane Thornes, of Thornes, impressed judges as they passed road judgement tests with flying colours and saw off 80 rivals.

But the two companies did not leave the seaside empty-handed.

Both walked away with best vehicle honours for sparkling vehicles - K&J with an award from manufacturers Berkhof and Thornes with a similar accolade from coach-makers Van Hool.

Mr James, 37, said: "It was the first time we entered, so it was a good result. We didn't expect to win, so it was all the more pleasing. We'll be back next year!"

Updated: 09:50 Thursday, April 22, 2004