THE Chippenham Pit Stop has hit top gear and is firing on all cylinders after being named the best in the country for its facilities.

Located just off Junction 17 of the M4, the Pit Stop welcomes hundreds of truckers every day and has been awarded with the accolade from major transport industry publication, Truckstop News.

Managing director David Hatherell said: “Our staff have really bought into our mission to put driver wellbeing at the forefront of our strategy and always go out of their way to ensure drivers are looked after.

"We have installed an outside gymnasium, provide hot showers in spotless conditions as well as serving quality non fried fare and homemade cakes and sweets in our restaurant.

“We also have a well-stocked shop, a small library and special internet booth to enable our customers to keep in touch and even an onsite barber so that truckers do not have to waste valuable time at weekends.”

As well as providing creature comforts, the Pit Stop also run a series of monthly health promotion campaigns, with topics over the past three months including obesity, strokes and bowel cancer.

Former nurse and now management team member at the Pit Stop, Lisa Hatherell, who produces health tip leaflets, said: “It's really heart-warming to know that our customers really appreciate what we do and have taken the trouble to vote for us in the Truckstop News survey so it's a big thank you to them too.”