Bus drivers from across the North East have posed with their pooches to help mark National Pet Day.

Go North East drivers have allowed photographers to capture a special moment with their dog companions today (April 11) as the nation celebrates its pets.

The collection, titled 'A Bus Driver's Best Friend' features six drivers with their dogs – Pongo, Chester, Tasha, Misty, Milo, and Ella.

The bus operator hopes the photos will help ‘bring a smile’ to the faces of passengers.

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Here are all of the drivers with their precious pups:

Mark and Pongo from Coxhoe

The Northern Echo: Mark and Pongo Credit: GO NORTH EAST

Mark Gradon said: “Pongo’s just full of character, I call him my not-so-little shadow as he’s always there by my side.

"He’s getting on a bit now but I just love the fact he’s a puppy at heart.

"I’ll never forget the day I came home to find him sat down looking up at me all innocent with an empty dog food bag around his neck!”

Christopher and Chester from Forest Hall, Newcastle Upon Tyne

The Northern Echo: Christopher and Chester Credit: GO NORTH EAST

Christopher Walker said: “It’s just such a pure friendship. I was ill a while back and Chester laid by my side until I was well again.

"I’m in no doubt having him there helped my recovery. It’s such a lift when I see that wagging tail when I get home from work.

"We’ve got a little ritual, he greets me, I hand him the paper that I buy every day for Amanda my wife, and he then fetches it to her. He’s my boy!”

Carly and Tasha from Washington

The Northern Echo: Carly and Tasha Credit: GO NORTH EAST

Carly Benson said: “Tasha’s my best friend, she’s a very understanding dog with a gentle soul, always there when you need a cuddle.

"She’s 11 now and I treasure every moment we spend together. By far the best times are those spent down the beach when she becomes a puppy again bouncing across the sand.”

Kim and Misty from Crookgate

The Northern Echo: Kim and Misty Credit: GO NORTH EAST

Kim Goodwin said: “Misty just wants everyone to love her. She’s not fazed by much either, we always say she’s totally fearless.

"Saying that she’s the softest dog at heart, we love spending chilled time together. When I’m watching TV of a night, she’ll jump up onto the back of the sofa and wrap her paws over my shoulders and snooze. That’s her favourite spot… and mine too.”

James and Milo from Stanley

The Northern Echo: James and Milo Credit: GO NORTH EASTJames Fawkes said: “Milo’s a performer through and through. He howls to us (sings), dances, copies us when we laugh loudly, he does it all! I would be lost without him, he makes me laugh every day and truly helps me with my mental health.

"His favourite TV show is The Secret Life of the Zoo and just loves the gorillas."

Kyle and Ella from South Shields

The Northern Echo: Kyle and Ella Credit: GO NORTH EAST

Kyle Thompson said: "We've got such an unbreakable bond, she really means the world to me. I think it’s fair to say Ella’s a pampered pooch, she’s short-haired so gets cold quite easily so likes to have her jumper on.

"She can get a little nervous in new places, but it doesn’t take long for her to settle down, before we know it she’s running around barking with her favourite ball.”

A Go North East spokesperson said: “As the nation gears up to celebrate National Pet Day on April 11th, bus operator Go North East, has released a delightful collection of snapshots capturing the paw-some bond between bus drivers and their dogs.

“The collection titled 'A Bus Driver's Best Friend' features six drivers from depots across the region, joined by pals: Pongo, Chester, Tasha, Misty, Milo, and Ella.

“These bark-tastic photos are sure to put a smile on passengers’ faces and a wag in their tails as we celebrate the joy of companionship on and off the road!”