Drivers on the nines between Mansfield and Derby are celebrating after winning national recognition.

 Our successful service the nines has claimed the 'Winning New Customers' title in the prestigious 2010 UK Bus Awards after the company recently invested £1.3 million in new buses for the route.

the nines drivers celebrating their success and proudly showing off the trophy

 The nines also links communities in Ripley, Alfreton and Sutton-in-Ashfield and the Award  judges heaped praise on the service which was 'delivered by a team of exceptional drivers and local brand managers' and which had 'triggered a wave of customer growth'.

 The judges commented: "A classic combination of investment in new vehicles, rebranding and service simplification enabled a strong promotional campaign to deliver spectacular growth of up to 97% on some stretches of the route."

 Commercial Director, Alex Hornby said: "We're absolutely delighted that our work on re-invigorating this service has been recognised. At a time of economic uncertainty, it is a significant achievement and credit goes to all our drivers and brand managers who have helped to make the service a major success story.

 "We continue to make timetable improvements to respond to customer requirements and to have won this award against tough competition from several high-profile companies from across the UK is a real accolade."

 The Heanor-based company notched up further success at the Bus Awards, held at the London Hilton. Nottingham-based driver Rhamzan 'Rambo' Mohammed claimed the title of 2010 Bus Driver of the Year, following in the footsteps of his colleague Barry Allitt who won the same award last year. Meanwhile, Head of Development, Keith Shayshutt won the national 'Unsung Heroes Award'.