AN award-winning magician entertained bus passengers on the Stockton to Yarm route this week.

Graeme Shaw was hired by Arriva North East to help launch the bus company's new Frequenta, 7/7a service, which operates between Stockton, Eaglescliffe and Yarm. The service has been fully revamped and provides an enhanced cross-town link,.

To officially launch the service, the award winning magician Graeme Shaw wowed the public with street magic in Stockton High Street and on the buses.

He then went to the town's Mill Lane Primary School and impressed the children with his magic. Arriva also gave away Free bus tickets and goodies.

Nick Knox, area managing director for Arriva North East said: “We’re delighted to be launching the first Frequenta service in Stockton. We’re constantly working towards improving the journey experience for our customers and we hope that more people will see the benefits of bus travel and jump on board. We’re confident Frequenta is really going to help us promote the high frequency network of routes that run throughout the town and beyond."

Graeme Shaw started his magic career when he was just nine years old and claims to to have won more magic awards than any other North-East magician. He is the youngest ever elected president of the Newcastle Magic Circle.