BUS drivers in North Wales are backing Guide Dogs Week 2018 (October 6-14) by holding a series of on-board collections.

Arriva Buses Wales has placed Guide Dogs collecting buckets on 200 of its vehicles, many of them “talking” buses, which feature audio-visual announcements to help blind and partially sighted passengers.

Customers are being invited to put money in the buckets, with all donations going towards Arriva’s bid to name a second guide dog puppy. Their first puppy, Riva, proved a big hit when he visited staff at the Bangor depot earlier this year, wearing his distinctive blue puppy jacket.

He has since been selected as breed stock, with the potential to father a future generation of guide dog puppies.

To date, the company has raised more than £8,000 for Guide Dogs with events including a five-a-side football tournament, family fun days and a zip wire challenge.

Jacquie Hughes-Jones, community fundraiser for Guide Dogs Cymru, said: “We are delighted that Arriva is continuing to support us with on-board collections during Guide Dogs Week.

“Arriva in North Wales has already equipped much of its fleet with audio-visual announcements, and we know from our feedback that these have improved the experience of bus travel for passengers, including elderly people, commuters and tourists.”