Driver picks up princely passenger

David Wilson used to work as a tram conductor

A bus driver is making the trip of a lifetime with a royal passenger.

David Wilson will drive Prince Charles around the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, when he visits the county next week.

Mr Wilson, from Lytham, will be at the wheel of the Bowland Transit Midi taking the prince from Clitheroe to Chipping.

The former tram conductor now works at Lancashire County Council as a bus service co-ordinator for Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale and the Ribble Valley.

There are not many drivers that can say they have had a member of the royal family on their bus

David Wilson

The bus the prince will travel on is a brand new easy-access vehicle which operates on bus routes and a park and ride scheme.

He will be joined by local residents and dignitaries.

Mr Wilson has been involved with buses and trams since 1977.

His first job was as a conductor on Blackpool's trams, before joining Ribble Buses as a management trainee.

Special ticket

He drove buses for while, before becoming manager of a bus depot.

Mr Wilson said: "It will be a great honour to drive for the prince.

"There are not many drivers that can say they have had a member of the royal family on their bus."

Prince Charles is to be presented with a specially-printed ticket and model of a bus when he makes the journey.