A BUS driver has been praised by the public and his bosses for allowing two young girls to get on his vehicle, rather than walk the streets in the dark.

The story was reported on Thursday evening by a passenger on the bus driven by Martin Cantwell.

They reported: "Would just like to say a big well done and thank you to the 15 Arriva bus driver today at 4pm in Thornaby.

"Two young girls about 11 looked so confused and lost about where they lived (must be new to area).

"They stopped the bus to ask the driver where Westbury Street was. He gave directions and he said 'It's a good 20 minutes from here girls'. 

"They looked puzzled and went to walk away. They looked like they didn't know what to do! I was just about to stand up to pay for their fare.

"He said 'Hop on girls I will take you. There is no way you are walking that far in the dark'.

"What a caring man! You don't see things like this any more and it really touched my heart!"

Nick Knox, Arriva's area managing director said: "It's great that Martin is being praised for his good deed. 

"It is Arriva’s policy to protect vulnerable passengers, and it is pleasing to feel the warmth from the public towards him for making sure that the two young girls got home safely."