Cricket star Darren ‘the Dazzler’ Gough bowled GNER people some big prizes when he presented the awards at the annual Business Awards ceremony in Leeds.

The Yorkshire Cricket Club captain and former England cricketer, who is one of the country’s greatest fast bowlers, was in Leeds for the event which recognises the work and skills of GNER staff on the East Coast main line service.

GNER’s Business Awards are open to every employee in the company and reward individuals and teams who have demonstrated business excellence, innovation and exceptional customer service.

Three GNER staff also won Lifetime Achievement Awards: Ian Drysdale, repair shed team leader at Craigentinny, had the highest number of votes.

Judges said: “A valued member of the depot team for almost 20 years, his superior electrical knowledge and calm demeanour has solved many a troublesome fault.”

Rob Kelleher, finance strategy manager, was said to be “well respected throughout GNER for his vast knowledge, his dedication, his finance abilities and his willingness to search for a solution. He is a colleague, a teacher, an expert, an accountant and a friend.”

John Rhodes, customer service assistant, York, was described as a man with “over 40 years’ service to the rail industry, who has pride in his work and is ready with a smile and a pleasant word for his customers and colleagues alike”.

Jonathan Metcalfe, GNER’s chief executive, said: “Over the last 11 years, thanks to the efforts of its staff, GNER has become renowned for service excellence.”

The ceremony was held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, home to Britain’s national collection of arms and armour. Guests were treated to a special samurai sword fighting spectacular, and the dinner menu was created by David Buchanan, who is GNER’s current Chef of the Year.

GNER'S twelve of the best

Employee’s Employee: Ian Gray, team coach, Newcastle station travel centre.

Teams of the Year: Stations – Berwick (second time);

Travel Centre - York; Telesales – Una Shaw’s Team; On-Train – Helen Purdy’s team from Newcastle;

Drivers – Joint winners Leeds and Newcastle; Depot – Craigentinny Technical Office Team; Internal Supplier – SOP Team (Standard Operating Procedures);

Outstanding Contribution to Customer Service: Rakesh Kundra, travel consultant, London Kings Cross Travel Centre.

Safety Achievement of the Year: The driver simulator project team for introducing train driving simulators at Newcastle, Edinburgh, Leeds and King’s Cross.

Business Achievement of the Year: Leeds Half Hourly team for introducing an additional 12 daily services between London and Leeds, creating an additional 30,000 seats per week.

Business Manager of the Year: Ben Gregory, procurement manager.

Chief Executive’s Commendation: Alex Gibb, retired manager, operations. Judges said he was “totally dedicated to the railway for over 30 years, his sheer determination and drive have delivered so much”.