Bus-mad Peter, from Sunderland, wrote a passionate letter to Go North East asking for his “dream job” as a bus driver and, as a result, he landed himself a plum role.

Go North East chose Peter to be their ‘celebrity’ to officially launch 14 new Optare Solos for the indiGo bus service in Peterlee.

Peter told Go North East, Managing Director, Kevin Carr in his letter: “My dream job is to work for Go North East. I am saving up to take my car test at 17. I am route learning. I am customer focussed. I am very polite. I would always go the extra mile for customers and be a careful driver.”

Armed with a pair of scissors and dressed in his very own bus driver uniform, Peter cut the ribbon to declare the 14 brand new indiGo buses officially open for business.

The new buses will significantly upgrade the standard and quality of bus travel in East Durham.

Peter was thrilled with his new (albeit temporary) position, he said: “I can’t believe it, I am so happy. I love buses so much. I have been on buses a lot ever since I was a baby and I go on the bus to visit my nana.

“I have wanted to write to Go North East for ages to ask about becoming a driver but I never thought I’d get a reply. My dad said I should write to them because you never know.

“My bedroom is full of Go North East stuff; I’ve done drawings of all their buses and I have bus models as well. My favourite bus was the SimpliCity but now my favourite is the indiGo.”

Managing director at Go North East, Kevin Carr, was touched by the boy’s interest in his company: “This letter really made me smile when it landed on my desk. It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm in someone so young. We thought it was only right to give Peter an important role in the bus company he loves so much. And, of course, we will keep his application for the bus driver job on file until he’s 18 and a suitable position becomes available.”

The new indigo Solos have leather seats, LED lighting and new, fresh, eye catching liveries.

The service’s slogan is indiGo to here, indiGo to there and the buses connect to Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle, Middlesbrough and beyond.