The exceptional efforts of the people that help run London’s red buses have been recognised at the London Bus Awards.

Eight awards were handed out to celebrate the work that goes into making the capital’s bus network one of the best, most accessible and extensive in the world.

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at Transport for London (TfL), hailed London’s buses as “the lifeblood of the city” and commended the efforts of everyone from those in the driver’s seat to less visible departments like those working in the garages.

Literal lifesaver James Rossi of Arriva London was recognised for ‘actions above and beyond the call of duty’ after redirecting a bus to urgently collect medication for a 17-year-old boy suffering a severe allergic reaction. The teenager’s mother later said her son would have died without Mr Rossi’s help.

Patience Okezie, also of Arriva London, was named ‘inspirational role model to colleagues in the bus industry’ for distributing advice and guidance to colleagues for more than two decades.

‘Outstanding newcomer’ James Barlow from Go-Ahead London was praised for his ‘one-team approach’ to problem solving, while Nadine Allen of CT Plus was named ‘outstanding customer service champion’ for combining great service and driving with a friendly welcome.

TfL’s Sian Davies was hailed for her ‘on-the-road support’, with the title of ‘accessibility and safety champion’ going to Claude Parchment of Go-Ahead London.

‘Best vehicle care’ went to Stamford Brook Garage, while Stagecoach London was named ‘environmental campaign champion’ for its energy- and water-saving initiatives.