Special bus unveiled by Stagecoach Cumbria to mark King's coronation

The coronation bus is emblazoned in red, white and blue with celebratory union jack bunting and bears the coronation logo to commemorate King Charles lll’s ascension day on Saturday, May 6.

The bus unveiling in Carlisle was attended by Stagecoach's two main painters; Stephen Temple, 53, and Stephen Douglas, 61, both from Morton, who along with paint shop labourer Mark Maddison, 48, from Botcherby spent an entire week painting the vehicle ready for its crowning moment.

Between them, the three men boast a combined 86 years of service to Stagecoach.

The King has visited Cumbria on many occasions and is well known for his affinity with the county.

He stopped off at Stagecoach's Willowholme Stagecoach depot in the aftermath of Storm Desmond in 2015, when all three men had the privilege of meeting the King.

Stephen Douglas said: "Storm Desmond caused extensive damage to the depot. We lost the entire fleet of buses. 65 buses had to be scrapped due to damage. 

"The King, then Prince Charles, met all the team at the depot, and he was very nice."

Steven Temple said: "He was really nice and down to earth. He genuinely cares for the country, its people and the environment."

Rob Jones, managing director, Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: "The King’s Coronation next weekend will be a very special and significant event in our history and we’re delighted to mark the celebrations with this specially decorated Coronation bus.

"To have celebrated a platinum jubilee so closely followed by a coronation is a rare occurrence and for most Cumbrians, this is the first time they will have experienced a coronation, so we felt it was an important event to mark.

"We hope the Coronation bus helps to spread a bit of extra joy and excitement in our local communities and we hope passengers enjoy travelling on our special bus."