Depot tour was '˜Disneyland' for eight-year-old Leeds bus fan

Eight-year-old Joshua Craven, who has learning difficulties, has been a big fan of buses since he was a toddler.

A First Leeds bus driver made Joshua’s day during a journey on a First double-decker earlier this month with parents Dave and Kate; sister Evelyn, four, and six-year-old brother Oliver, who also has special needs.

The driver let Joshua wear his First West Yorkshire tie while on board.

The youngster, from Middleton, was even allowed to read a time sheet issued to staff during the journey while the kind-hearted employee talked to him about bus operations.

Joshua’s parents were touched that the driver had taken time out for their son and posted Facebook appeal to trace and thank him.

The post got more than 2,000 likes and First contacted he family to invite Josh to meet driver Steve Lamb and tour the depot.

Mum Kate, said: “They sent a minibus to pick us up and when we got the depot there was a bus with a message on the front which read ‘First welcomes Josh to Hunslet Park.’

“Joshua was really excited. He thought it was Disneyland and just absolutely loved it.

“It was amazing for Josh to get a tour of the depot. All I wanted to do was thank the guy and give him some recognition.”

A spokeswoman for First Leeds, said: “We always encourage our drivers to go above and beyond and so it’s great when we hear positive feedback from our customers.”