TRAVEL industry experts have named P&O Ferries the number one cross-Channel operator for the fifth successive year at an event in London.

The company received the Best Short Sea Channel Crossing Company award on Thursday after a nationwide poll of travel agents.

Readers of Travel Trade Gazette backed the Dover-Calais operator against Eurotunnel, SeaFrance, Hoverspeed and Eurostar for the title.

Vince Sears, head of sales, received the award at a ceremony hosted by radio and television personality Mark Lamar. "We are delighted to have won this award for the fifth time," said Mr Sears. "It is testament to the value we place on our relationship with the travel trade and the professionalism of all our staff."