Arriva gold bus honours winter Olympian Lizzy Yarnold

Leading transport group Arriva has unveiled a gold-painted bus at its Arriva Southern Counties business to congratulate Olympian Lizzy Yarnold on her gold medal win at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The gold 478 service bus, which links Lizzy’s home village of West Kingsdown (Kent) with the neighbouring villages of Farningham, Eynsford and Swanley, took to the roads on 6 March waved off by Lizzy’s father, Clive Yarnold.

British skelton racer Lizzy, who was unable to attend the unveiling herself, sent Arriva a message saying: “The support I’ve had from the local community in West Kingsdown has been amazing – it really helped me whilst I was in Sochi, knowing that there were so many people behind me and cheering me on back home.

"I’m sorry I can’t be there but hope you all enjoy riding the gold bus and it brings a smile to a few faces!"

Arriva Southern Counties’ Richard Lewis said: "We are pleased to mark Lizzy’s success in this way as we serve her local community and the bus will help keep her achievements in the minds of her fellow residents for a long time to come.

"We were delighted that Lizzy’s father, Clive, was able to join us for the launch and it was clear from the reaction of local people who saw the bus that they really appreciate our tribute to Lizzy.

"I’m sure that the bus will be turning many heads while it is in service, and we have already had some positive comments on social media since it took to the roads."