Bradford

First launches new Save the Children bus in Bradford

First has joined forces with the leading UK childrens charity to launch a ‘stand-out bus that will be seen regularly on Bradford streets from this week.

West Yorkshires biggest bus operator has linked with Save the Children to provide a double-decker bus that will be fully branded externally from ‘top-to-toe with Save the Children information in bold blue and red colours.

The message ‘Guess how many UK children live in poverty? 1 in 3 will be seen by an estimated 50,000 people in Bradford each week as First shows its commitment to its national charity partner.

Save the Children and FirstGroup formed a two-year partnership in February 2008 by coming together to end child poverty in the UK. As part of this campaign, six specially branded buses were put into service in a number of UK cities, including Leeds and Sheffield.

The buses have proved a huge hit across the UK with an estimated 3 million people viewing the important advertising messages. This has helped raise the profile of Save the Children with bus passengers, as well as raising much needed charity donations.

As part of the partnership, First aims to raise £1million, in corporate donations, in-kind support and fundraising initiatives over the next two years and is well on its way to reaching its target.

Jonathan Stewart, Service Delivery Director for First in Bradford, said: "The people of Bradford will turn their heads when they see this bus as it stands out from the remainder of our fleet.

"This is good news because the Save the Children message on the bus is an important one and shows that First is taking its social and corporate responsibilities to its national charity partner extremely seriously.'

Colette Marshall, Save the Childrens Director of UK Programmes said: "Our relationship with FirstGroup goes from strength to strength and we are delighted with the firm's commitment and effort in raising money for Save the Children. All the money raised will be spent on our work across the UK with some of the most vulnerable children to ensure they get the best start in life.'

The bus was officially launched at the Bradford Industrial Museum on Tuesday 3rd March.