Bus passengers spotted Father Christmas, Aladdin and Buttons on their journeys in Colchester.

Busman's fancy dress - bus drivers, Peter Smith, Dave King, Ernie Rutter, Neil Carlyle and Ray Smith dress up for Christmas to raise money for charities. Picture: STEVE BRADING (18836-b)

Passengers travelling on Arriva buses were treated to a cavalcade of panto characters as drivers took to the wheel in fancy dress for their annual festive fundraising event.

A fleet of buses left Arriva's Colchester depot in Magdalen Street, with a host of cowboys, cowgirls, monks, wizards and magicians at the wheel.

Over the past 13 years, the event has become a festive tradition among drivers and one which regular passengers look forward to every year.

Ernie Rutter, driver staff development co-ordinater for Arriva, said: "It is something which the drivers look forward to every year."

Of the money collected this year, some will be going to St Helena's Hospice and the children's ward at Colchester General Hospital.

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001