Press release -
Gateshead schoolchildren receive double-decker play bus in surprise delivery
Children at Lingey House Primary School in Gateshead were in for a big surprise on Monday when they welcomed a very special new addition to their playground – a double-decker bus donated by Go North East.
Although pupils had been eagerly anticipating the bus’s arrival, the final delivery date was kept tightly under wraps. Children remained indoors with blinds drawn while Go North East’s engineering team sneakily dropped off the bus.
The bus will provide a calming space for children who find the busy playground overwhelming, as well as a sheltered area that allows play to continue whatever the weather.
Michaela Flowdy, Assistant Head Teacher at Lingey House Primary School, said: “We’re so grateful to Go North East – not just for donating the bus, but for bringing the children’s vision to life.
“Originally, a lot of the children wanted slides and swimming pools onboard but with a bit of guidance they’ve come up with some lovely ideas to make the bus a brilliant space for the whole school to enjoy! It will create many opportunities and further enhance our current play offer."
Go North East’s engineers have worked hard to modify the bus based on designs created by the children themselves – who chose everything from the bus colours to the internal layout, which now features hammocks, bean bags, and a board games area.
Charlie Newman, a second-year coachbuilding apprentice at Go North East, has played a key role in transforming the bus. He said: “Working on this project has been such a rewarding experience – the children’s ideas were fantastic, and we’ve done our best to make them a reality.
“It was brilliant to see their reaction to the finished bus. It’s great that Go North East can give something back to the community.”
Lingey House Primary is committed to providing exciting, high-quality play for its pupils. The school was recognised with a Platinum Outdoor Play and Learning Award (OPAL) in 2023.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Go North East runs a network of bus routes across the North East region including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding areas.
The Go-Ahead Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of public transport, enabling more than a billion passenger journeys each year on its bus and rail services. Go-Ahead places great importance on partnership, adopting a collaborative approach with governments, local communities and strategic partners; developing and operating services that create long-term value for all.
For more information about Go-Ahead Group visit www.go-ahead.com.
