Dawlish Coaches has won an appeal against a decision to revoke its operator's licence.

The 50-year-old firm, which employs around 60 staff, was subject to an inquiry by the Traffic Commissioner in February after 35 breaches of regulations concerning drivers' hours and tachograph recordings.

The licence was due to be withdrawn on July 1 but an appeal lodged by the firm was upheld at a transport tribunal in London last Thursday.

Managing director Neil Tomlinson was delighted with the decision.

he said: 'Naturally I'm very happy that we have been allowed to continue operating our fleet. This has been hanging over our heads for two years in total since 2,000 tachograph charts were first removed by the Vehicle Inspectorate officials for examination in June 2001.'

The family firm, founded by Mr Tomlinson's father, was fined £25,000 by south Devon magistrates in 2002 as a result of the tachograph examinations, fines which still stand despite the successful appeal.

Some drivers in the company were also personally fined at the time, but Mr Tomlinson confined his comments to the company's experiences.

Mr Tomlinson was still unclear why his appeal was successful, as no written confirmation from the tribunal has been received.

'I was informed verbally at the meeting in London that we had been successful, but I expect it will take a while for the official letter to arrive.

'Even a small breach or mistake can count against a company with regards to driver's hours and record-keeping. Perhaps the fact we have no previous problems of any substance in the past helped.'

The firm's solicitor, Chris Over, was also delighted with the decision, stating that had the tribunal found against Dawlish Coaches its future would have been bleak.

He said: 'It would be a very hard fight back for a company following the revocation of its licence. Indeed, it would probably have meant curtains and the loss of the firm and its jobs.

'The appeal has involved a lot of hard work for all of us but I think the decision has made the effort worthwhile.'

Dawlish Coaches operates 33 vehicles and specialises in UK holidays. the company also operates across mainland Europe, as well as providing school transport and the Dawlish Shopper bus.