A BUS dedication scheme was launched this week in memory of a man closely involved with local transport.

The name of former bus company boss Chris Moyes was unveiled above the door of a Go North-East service bus by members of his family.

Mr Moyes, who was part of a management buy-out of the old National bus company in 1987, went on to become chief executive of its successor, the Go Ahead Group.

He died earlier this year following a short illness, aged 56, but will be remembered with his name permanently over the entrance to one of the company's Prince Bishops route buses, the 20, which operates between Durham and Sunderland.

His widow Janice and mother Eileen performed the unveiling ceremony to mark the start of Go North East's Reflections: Memories into Action scheme, inspired by Mr Moyes.

It was launched at Collingwood College of Durham University, where he served as chairman of the university council.

He was also a deputy lieutenant of County Durham, and was awarded the OBE for services to local transport in last New Year's Honours.

Reflections enables members of the public to remember a loved one by having a bus dedicated in their memory.

They must make a donation to one of five chosen charities, St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham, the Percy Hedley Foundation, the Rainbow Trust, North-East Council on Addictions and the Chris Lucas Trust.

Minimum donations are £150, which Go North-East will top up by at least £100.

Peter Huntley, managing director of Go North-East, said: "Chris was a hugely popular and well-known figure across the North-East."

Mrs Moyes said her husband's hobby became his work, as his first love was always buses.

Her donation was made to St Cuthbert's Hospice, which supported Mr Moyes prior to his death.