A STOURBRIDGE firm has been named taxi base of the year in a borough competition celebrating cab companies that go the extra mile for customers.

Taximate has won the 2014 award after being nominated for its personalised and tailor-made service, particularly for customers with disabilities.

The decision was made by the council’s taxis committee in the summer and representatives from the company were presented with their award at the one-stop shop licensing offices in Narrowboat Way, Brierley Hill, onTuesday (September 23).

Councillor Richard Body, chairman of the taxis committee, handed over the award and said: "We are delighted to be presenting the award to Taximate as they were commended for the high level of personal care they provide, particularly to customers with disabilities.

"This is the second year of the award scheme and we hope to continue celebrating the excellent services on offer for many years to come.”

Passengers were invited to nominate borough-based hackney carriage and private hire firms during January and February - and 17 companies received nominations.

Paul Walker, owner of Taximate which is part of small private operator Travelmate, said he was "overwhelmed" to win the award and added: "I assumed it would go to one of the big operators in Dudley.

"I'm very pleased customers voted for me - it gives me real satisfaction to know that my service is appreciated.

"I have always worked on the theory that if you treat customers as you would like your family to be treated you can't go wrong - whether that is a wheelchair customer who requires extra help or a family of eight people going to the airport."