A 76-year-old moving truck owned by a Suffolk firm came away with two awards after taking part in the prestigious London to Brighton Commercial Vehicle Run.

The restored 1941 Bedford MLD, owned by Brandon-based Abels Moving Services, competed in the 56th London to Brighton Commercial Vehicle Run.

Organised by the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society, the run involves a 54 mile journey from Crystal Place Park in South London to Maderia Drive in Brighton, designed to test the old vehicles.

Abels' Bedford was driven by the firm's operations manager David Potter along with senior storeman Mitch Bowen, who has spent many hours ensuring that the vehicle is kept in its immaculate condition.

The truck was awarded first place in the Class D category for large vans and lorries that were built between 1940 and 1959.

It also achieved second place overall for the Concours d'Elegence Award, judged against all finishers who reached Madeira Drive.

Phil Pertoldi, chairman of Abels, said: 'We entered the London to Brighton Historical Commercial Vehicle run with our Bedford MLD as we love to show our vehicle to the maximum of audiences who also enjoy seeing part of the British tradition.

'The team at Abels love participating and being part of the heritage.'

The truck was first owned by the Worcestershire War Agricultural Committee as a flat bed truck to help the allied war effort.

After the war the van, which can carry loads of two to three tons, was purchased and bodied in 1951 as a removal vehicle.

But in 1967 it was stood down in and left unused.

It underwent a seven year nut and bolt renovation starting in 1983, with all parts remaining original except a few box panels and a hinged bonnet.

Abels acquired the Bedford in 2013 to add to the companies historic collection.

They gave it a further refurbishment in 2015 which including painting and adding livery.

The firm is expected to show-off their truck at shows around East Anglia during the summer.