A Trentbarton bus driver has received a ticket to the King's Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Bus driver Dennis ‘Bones’ Dutton, from Langley Mill, has received the royal summons from Lord Chamberlain, on behalf of King Charles.
The invite comes after his wife Christine nominated him for 43 years of service as a bus driver for Barton Buses and then Trentbarton.
The couple, who have been married for 36 years, will be heading to Buckingham Palace on May 3 as guests for the Coronation Garden Party. The Palace is hosting two garden parties as part of the celebrations for the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday May 6.
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Dennis, who is known as ‘Bones’ by colleagues and customers, drives Trentbarton’s Rainbow One night owl service. Christine said she nominated her husband because she wanted to do something special for him.
Dennis said: “I’m really looking forward to my trip down to London to see Buckingham Palace – I feel like royalty.
“It’s nice for a bus driver to be recognised for their work after over 40 years of service. I love my job and I just like to have a laugh with my regular customers.”
Tom Morgan, trentbarton’s managing director, said: “We are so pleased and excited for Dennis and for Christine. Dennis has been driving our buses since 1979 and that incredible service deserves this Royal recognition.
“We hope they both have a lovely day and get to tell the new King and his Queen Consort all about his career and the customers he helps every time he gets behind the wheel.”
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