A FANATICAL young bus lover got the chance of a lifetime...

Alfie Marjoram, five, was given a tour of First Bus’ home in the city where all the company’s vehicles are looked after.

Joined by his grandfather Malcolm Part, Alfie was shown around the site meeting the engineers who keep the buses running before getting the chance to go on a special trip around Chelmsford.

Alfie, from Galleywood, who has a condition which nearly left him blind in one eye, was also taken through the bus car wash and given goodies as mementos of the day.

Mr Part said his grandson was thrilled to go on the trip.

He said: “He is out on a bus nearly every day of the week and he loves everything about buses and has his own names for the different types.

“He used to like trains, but he prefers buses because he can see them and use them more often.

“He can even see them from his desk at school.”

Adrian Jones, managing director of First Essex, said the firm were delighted to give young Alfie the chance to take a look behind the scenes.

He said: “We are so pleased he enjoyed his trip.

“We were more than happy to welcome Alfie to our depot so he could have an insight into the industry.”