A BUS service which unites north Kent communities has been honoured at an international public transport awards ceremony.

The Fastrack bus service between Dartford and Gravesham was joint runner-up at the International Public Transport Union’s awards for innovation in public transport.

Fastrack came second out of 26 transport schemes worldwide, with the system in Madrid in top spot, at the awards ceremony in Leipzig, Germany.

Fastrack is a project between Kent County Council and bus operator Arriva, and its regional commercial manager Kevin Hawkins is delighted with the award.

He said: “This is a huge accolade and a fitting reward for all the effort that has been put in by both the partners in Kent Thameside and our staff.