Press releases

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

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

The unveiling of the new named buses took place at the White Rose Centre, Leeds, after Arriva asked customers to come up with names for each of the vehicles. The appeal received over a hundred entries with suggestions featuring local heroes and famous Yorkshire locations.

Speaking from the event, Patrick said:

During my many years I have received many honours and distinctions but to have my name on my home town's bus is one of the most prestigious.

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

he joked.

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

The new Arriva double decker Lowlander buses will operate on the 202/203 service, which covers Leeds, the White Rose Shopping Centre, Dewsbury and Huddersfield.

Chloe Leach, marketing manager for Arriva Yorkshire, commented:

Buses are a key part of the community and we thought it would be good if we gave local people their say in naming each of the new buses. We are delighted with the names that have been chosen and are thrilled that Patrick Stewart was officially able to unveil the buses.

These new high quality buses represent an investment of almost £2 million and is yet further indication of our commitment to proving a high-quality service to the communities we serve. The new fleet will offer easy access for disabled passengers, are buggy friendly and feature full CCTV for customers' and employees' safety.

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