A TOP accolade has been scooped up by a Southampton bus manager in the UK Bus Awards.

Kerrie Grant, who oversees bus operator Unilink services in Southampton on behalf of the University of Southampton, has been named in the top two young bus managers in the country.

Responsible for the day-to-day running of the business and service standards across the city, Kerrie joined Unilink from sister company Salisbury Reds.

Before that, she worked in different parts of the UK - including Manchester, Glasgow and Stirling.

Kerrie said: “I’m delighted to receive this award, for doing a job that I really love. I would like to see more women within the bus industry - whether as drivers, managers or engineers. It’s hugely rewarding, and there are so many opportunities to build a successful career.

“Our parent company, Go-Ahead Group, offers a two-year graduate management programme, designed to support and develop people across different streams of the business. It’s well worth a look for anyone thinking of a challenging but exciting career within this vibrant industry.”

Bluestar general manager Richard Tyldesley: “We’re thrilled Kerrie has received this prestigious silver award - it’s thoroughly deserved. At Bluestar, we run Unilink services for the University of Southampton, and it is important we do an excellent job for those who travel with us here - whether they are students or among the city’s wider community.

“Kerrie was an easy choice to take the reins of our Unilink services - and I think we have been proved right. Being named among the top two best young bus managers in the country is a real honour - and I have no doubt Kerrie will be pushing to go one better next time around.”

The current scheme is open for applications until December 1 2019.