Little sisters' delight after Leeds bus driver takes teddy dog BUSter on grand tour

Maisie Dean, 10, and her sister Orlagh, eight, wanted to pass on some of their soft toys for others to enjoy during the coronavirus lockdown.

The girls left the toys on a picnic blanket near their home in Tinshill for others to take for free, with a handwritten note which said "please help yourself/enjoy".

Mum Liane Dean, 42, said: "They did the sign themselves and laid it all out, then we went on a little walk.

"When we came back the toy dog, now named BUSter, had gone and there was the lovely note and some money from Martin the bus driver."

First Bus driver Martin Miller, 48, had spotted the toys when passing on his route. On his next trip down Tinshill Lane he stopped and picked up the toy dog, naming him BUSter, and promised to take him on a grand tour of Leeds.

Martin, a dad-of-two, said: "I passed on my bus and thought how lovely it was.

"I wanted to let the little girls know that during these hard times, although they're not out and about as normal themselves, their teddy will be travelling all over Leeds with me."

First Bus is running an emergency timetable during the coronavirus crisis to ensure that key workers can still get to work.

Martin has since shared regular updates of BUSter's travels on Facebook group LeedsPlace, from his home in Morley to Kirkgate Market, the White Rose and beyond.

Dozens of people have messaged Martin and Liane to say they are watching BUSter's journeys, with children making signs in their windows for BUSter or waving from their front gardens.

Liane said: "It’s so lovely, we love seeing BUSter's travels and so many people message and tell me they are really enjoying it.

"The girls understand how much happiness you can get from helping others, but we can’t believe the joy so many people are getting from Martin and BUSter's travels.

"It’s an absolute delight!"

BUSter had an early start on Friday morning, travelling on the 33 and 34 service through Kirkstall, Rawdon, Yeadon, Guiseley, Menston and Otley.

Children at Benton Park School, on the route, made a hand-written sign for BUSter as he passed them by.

Martin posted a picture of BUSter at the First Bus depot and said: "Had to wake BUSter at 3.30am, he wasn't impressed.

"Wave if you see us but ONLY if you have to be out. Most of all, stay safe."

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