A BUS company boss has been awarded an MBE for his services to the transport industry.

Bill Hiron, 60, from Bradwell on Sea is delighted after being awarded an MBE for services to passenger transport.

He has owned Stephensons of Essex since 2001.

Mr Hiron said: “It’s a huge honour. It has still not sunk in and is a big shock.

“I couldn’t have done it without the team I have behind me and without the dedication they give.”

Mr Hiron has been a respected industry leader in the small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) sector.

He has also been a member of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) since 2014.

Mr Hiron was elected chair of the Association of Local Bus Managers in 2018, which represents more than 50 companies operating nearly 6000 buses.