Patrick Stewart unveils newly named Arriva buses

Star Trek and X-Men star Patrick Stewart has revealed thathaving a bus named in his honour has been one of the highlights ofhis glittering career.

The 66-year-old, famous for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picardand Professor Charles Xavier, said he was honoured that an Arrivabus has been dedicated to him in his native Yorkshire. That cameas 14 new Arriva buses were named after some of the county's mostfamous names including Billy Bremner, Speaker Betty Boothroyd andHarold Wilson.

The unveiling of the new named buses took place at the WhiteRose Centre, Leeds, after Arriva asked customers to come up withnames for each of the vehicles. The appeal received over a hundredentries with suggestions featuring local heroes and famousYorkshire locations.

Speaking from the event, Patrick said:

During my many years I have received many honours anddistinctions but to have my name on my home town's bus is one ofthe most prestigious.

I was actually having a drink with Roy Hattersley theother day and was telling him all about this. I think he was a bitmiffed none of the buses have been named after him,

he joked.

Ninty-five per cent of my travels as a young lad wereon these buses so it is a very special moment for me. When I firstgot into acting when I was 13 I had to travel on three buses forabout four hours just to get to my teacher's house.

The new Arriva double decker Lowlander buses will operate on the202/203 service, which covers Leeds, the White Rose ShoppingCentre, Dewsbury and Huddersfield.

Chloe Leach, marketing manager for Arriva Yorkshire,commented:

Buses are a key part of the community and we thought itwould be good if we gave local people their say in naming each ofthe new buses. We are delighted with the names that have beenchosen and are thrilled that Patrick Stewart was officially able tounveil the buses.

These new high quality buses represent an investment ofalmost £2 million and is yet further indication of ourcommitment to proving a high-quality service to the communities weserve. The new fleet will offer easy access for disabledpassengers, are buggy friendly and feature full CCTV for customers'and employees' safety.

The full list of chosen names is: Patrick Stewart, BillyBremner, Joseph Priestley, Oakwell, John Charles, Seth II, Empire,Bagshaw, Bronte, Betty Boothroyd, Harold Wilson The Pride OfKirklees, The Pride of Leeds and The White Rose.