Dancing bus drivers bring a smile to Sunderland passengers' faces as they keep grafting

A team based with Stagecoach North East in Sunderland have created a series of videos to share online to keep the spirits up of passengers and their friends and families.

Nick Phillips has been joined by Kev Chisholm, Trev Whelan, Chris Carr and Gemma Brannen, who work across the city and beyond, as they put together their own routines.

Nick, 30, from Castletown and has worked for the company for nine years, said: “When everyone began self-isolating and we had a bit of spare time and I thought I’d film myself dancing and put it on Facebook, in my uniform and dancing next to one of our buses.

“I just love music, so there’s been a variation of songs, so I’ve done Love Train and Pharrell Williams’ Happy and it’s just to try and get a smile off everybody.

“People have sent thanks for cheering them up.

“It’s also nice to see work colleagues getting involved and doing it in front of their own vehicles.

“We’ve had more and more support each day and it’s just good to make people smile.”

Kev added the team had challenged themselves by doing ballet inspired by Billy Elliot, while he had mimed himself singing to Nessun Dorma and sent his own “Stay safe” message in a video.

He added: “It has all been done to try and lift people’s spirits during this difficult time.”

Their employer has praised the work of its “heroes behind the wheels” and teams keeping the service running as it helps key workers and people make essential journeys, although it has reduced timetables following Government advice and increased efforts to clean vehicles.

Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach chief executive, said: “I’m extremely proud of all the great work that our own teams are doing to keep the country moving, including getting our vital healthcare workers to hospitals.

"We know from the feedback we've received from many customers across the country how much their selfless efforts are appreciated and we are doing everything we can to keep our people and our customers safe.