DISADVANTAGED children will benefit from sales of a new book starring the region’s buses.

Tale of the Century is an illustrated short story set in the North-East, focusing on the adventures of eight buses and their supervisor Pitstop Pete.

Written in the style of a Thomas the Tank Engine story by Sylvia Bird, it has been published by bus operator Go North East to celebrate its centenary.

The characters are based on buses such as the Angel, the Orbit and the Fab Fifty-Six.

Suitable for children aged five to seven, the book is being sold at £3 per copy to raise money for charity Cash for Kids.

Youngsters at Roman Road Primary School in Gateshead were among the first to hear the story, when it was read to them at Seven Stories in Newcastle.

Stephen King, marketing and sales manager at Go North East, said: “Many of our customers are families so creating a children’s book where the sales would benefit local children seemed like a great way to celebrate our 100th year.

“Unusually, our buses are all individually named and branded so they lent themselves well to being characters in a children’s story.”

Elizabeth Smith, a teacher at Roman Road, said: “The children really enjoyed being part of something new and exciting.

“They loved the story, particularly because it’s set in our region. They have been learning about transport in class so this book fits in perfectly.”

Copies can be bought from Go North East travel centres in Chester-le-Street, Washington Galleries at the Metro Centre or by calling 0845-60-60-260 or 0191-420-5050.

An audio version will soon be available to download online at simplygo.com