Year 4 pupil's artwork helps launch Northampton's new electric buses

A Year 4 pupil from Bridgewater Primary School has been announced as the winner of West Northamptonshire Council's 'My Great Electric Bus Day Out' artwork competition, with their winning design helping to celebrate the launch of Northampton's new electric buses.

The competition invited pupils from Northampton primary schools to create artwork inspired by the theme, 'Where would you go on an electric bus?' It formed part of the ‘Electric Buses for You’ campaign, celebrating the introduction of 71 electric buses across Northampton operated by Stagecoach Midlands.

The winning entry was created by Uchechukwu, a Year 4 pupil at Bridgewater Primary School. Three additional entries were recognised as Highly Commended by the judging panel. As part of the competition, pupils at Bridgewater Primary School also had the opportunity to explore one of Stagecoach's new electric buses during a special visit to the school.

Tamzin Copeman, Art Lead at Bridgewater Primary School, commented:

"We are delighted that Uchechukwu's artwork has been recognised as the winning entry. The competition gave our pupils the opportunity to celebrate an important milestone for Northampton while expressing their creativity, and we are very proud to see Uchechukwu's artwork helping to mark the launch of the town's new electric buses."

Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director of Stagecoach Midlands said:

"Thank you to all of the schools that took part in the competition and congratulations to Uchechukwu on the winning design. The artwork competition has been a great way to involve local schools in celebrating the arrival of Northampton's new electric buses."

Councillor Richard Butler, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at West Northamptonshire Council, said:

“We would like to thank every school and pupil who took part in the competition. It has been a fantastic way for local children to play a part in celebrating the introduction of Northampton’s new electric buses. Congratulations to Uchechukwu and to all the pupils whose artwork was recognised.”

Throughout August, children under 16 can travel free by bus as part of the UK government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, making it easier for families to enjoy days out across West Northamptonshire by bus during the summer holidays.

Stagecoach Midlands has invested £19.5 million in a new fleet of electric vehicles, supported by £12.6 million of Government funding, creating a total investment of £32.1 million in sustainable public transport.