THE bus enthusiast behind a survey to find Britain’s most scenic route has revealed that his interest in public transport began in Northwich.

Paul Kirby, who grew up in Cuddington, launched the poll earlier this year with the results of the 15,000 votes cast published on Bank Holiday Monday.

Although the winner was a route from York to Whitby across the North York Moors, for Paul, 52, the idea stems from travelling in Northwich in the 1970s.

Buses first piqued his interest as he took the E62 from Cuddington to Northwich with schoolfriends to get to Sir John Deane’s.

He said: “I’m not sure why but I just loved travelling by bus, especially on the double-deckers. Hard to believe now, but Crosville ran a half-hourly service in those days, plus a regular bus to Chester along the A556 through Sandiway – the E66.

“Many happy memories, including all the schoolkids trying to make the bus topple over as we all rushed to one side as the bus went round a corner. Thankfully we were unsuccessful.”

From a shortlist of more than 100 routes, the poll by Bus Users UK was supported by leading bus operators Arriva, First, Go-Ahead, Stagecoach and Transdev. Paul also spent a day filming with the BBC to publicise results.

He said: “I was pleased that the 840 Coastliner won as my grandparents lived on the route and I spent many happy holidays in the area.

“Sadly, there were no bus services from Cheshire in the top 10 but many routes in surrounding areas were nominated in North Wales and the Peak District. For example, the Macclesfield to Buxton bus is a fantastic ride passing the Cat & Fiddle.”

Paul said he had two other aims for the survey – to highlight the fact that companies are now providing services including new buses, comfortable, wifi, free newspapers and friendly drivers.

The other was to attract more passengers to rural routes, especially car drivers, because many have been cut by local councils and transport authorities in recent years.

“The more people that get onboard the bus, the better for everyone”, Paul said. “It’s better for the environment and makes further service withdrawals less likely.”

Paul still visits the Northwich area frequently as his Dad and brother still live in Cuddington.

After many jobs in public service, he now runs his own business PK Marketing, in Wetherby, West Yorkshire.

He will produce a website of ‘Britain’s Most Scenic Bus Routes’ later this summer, particularly aimed at visitors from abroad who are unfamiliar with our public transport system.