Procession to honour 'legendary' coach driver

A long-serving Lincolnshire coach driver who died in May will take one final journey on a vintage bus as part of a funeral procession in his honour.

Alan Cartwright, who co-founded Osbournby-based A&P Travel with his son Paul in 2006, died on 9 May after more than 60 years on the road.

The bus, a 1950s Bedford OB, will be joined by several modern coaches for a procession around some of the firm's local pick up points later, including Grantham and Sleaford.

A memorial service will then take place at St Wulfram's Church, Grantham.

Paying tribute, Paul Cartwright said: "My father lived and breathed the coach tourism industry, taking people to places and creating memories for thousands of people across six decades.

"He will be sorely missed by so many people across the county and country.

"We hope for it to be a fitting tribute to a lifetime career."

Mr Cartwright also thanked people for their kind comments and gestures following the passing "of our legendary leader".

"We've received so many kind words from all corners of our coaching community and customer base. We are truly so grateful," he added.

This post on A&P Travel's Facebook page summed up many of the responses from customers.

"RIP Alan the legend, thank you for all our great memories you gave everyone on your day trips and holidays."

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.