A young man who set up his own business escorting abnormal loads four years ago has won a national award.

The Heavy Transport Association has voted Chris Hustwick, of Newton-le-Willows, near Beadle, who runs Wide Load Services the number one escort and pilot van in the UK.

At only 21years of age Mr Hustwick established has own business and pilots wide loads on some of the busiest and most dangerous roads and motorways in the country. Accompanied by Eric his spaniel dog he travels up to 450 miles every day throughout the UK and Ireland.

His award was based on two instances; the first, for taking over the movement 170ft-long Kursk beams. After the load became stuck he intervened, reassessed the site and found an alternative route. In October last year Mr Hustwick was seriously injured escorting a wide load on the M6 in Lancashire. Although his vehicle was written off and he was out of action for several weeks, he is now back doing what he does best in a new hi-spec escort vehicle.

Judged by panel of industry experts the award was presented at a black tie event at Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome Leicester by David Collett, managing director of Collett & Sons Ltd. Mr Hustwick was accompanied by his partner Rebecca Bowes.

Commenting he said: “ I enjoyed the evening, it was a nice occasion. I was pleased to be chosen but I don’t really like a fuss.”