BURNHAM has become the first town in the South West to be awarded ‘coach friendly status’.

The town has been looking to attract more coaches to the town since launching an initiative titled ‘project coach’, and has now been recognised by the national award.

The recognition was given by the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT), which assesses the understanding of destinations to the needs of coach passengers and drivers.

Incentives introduced since the launch of project coach, which has been part-funded by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, include the introduction of meet and greeters to welcome coaches to the town, free meals for drivers and a rest room away from passengers, with the Town Crier also on board to address tourists on request.

John Burch, south west regional mnager of CPT, said: “The community of Burnham have demonstrated that they realise the power of the coach by pulling out all the stops to achieve Coach Friendly Status. Burnham has ongoing plans to do even more and we congratulate them on achieving coach friendly status.”

Les Barber, coach destination manager for Burnham, added: “This recognition is for everyone in the town and undoubtedly will help the local economy especially after the bad start Somerset in general has suffered this year with the dreadful floods.”