A BASILDON-BASED operation has been named England’s Best Private Ambulance Company.

The Private Ambulance Service’s success comes as the fast-growing company moves from its original Hovefields Court base to larger premises in the town.

The company has also recently expanded its operations to open another site, in the Midlands.

Private Ambulance Service employs more than 200 people.

Marketing manager Nikki Barnes said: “The company has created many more local jobs, and is still creating more jobs on a monthly basis. We are recruiting even more staff and offer the appropriate training in-house.”

Managing director James Barnes founded the company three years ago, in July 2012 with just six ambulances and a handful of staff and the company not operates a fleet of 100 vehicles.

Earlier this year, Mr Barnes was elected chairman of the Independent Ambulance Association, representing private ambulance companies across the UK.

In addition to the top company award, Private Ambulance Service has also just announced it has won an award for excellence in transporting organs.