One of Nottingham City Transport's latest bio-gas buses is set to be named after one of the city's most famous sons - BAFTA-winning film and TV producer Henry Normal.
The new Pink Line 28 bus, which travels to Beechdale and Bilborough, will be named after the film writer, producer and poet who grew up in Bilborough himself.
Mr Normal is best known for establishing a TV production company, Baby Cow Productions, with Steve Coogan in 1999, where he went on to create some of Britain's best comedy television including Gavin and Stacey, Red Dwarf and Alan Partridge.
He is also famed for co-producing and co-writing the very first series of The Royle Family.
In the local area, Mr Normal established the Nottingham Poetry Festival which has now been running for five years.
The bus will be named at St Martin's Church on Friday, July 5, to coincide with his attendance to a performance by the Bilborough Friday Writing Group.
Mr Normal told how he has "fond memories" riding the bus from Bracebridge Drive into the city centre as a young boy.
He said: "I'm very happy to be associated with the 28 to Bilborough. I have many fond memories as a kid riding the bus from Bracebridge Drive to town.
"Passing Raleigh Gates on the way was especially memorable for me as my Dad and my brother worked there for many years.
"I remember before the age of sports bags travelling to Beechdale Baths and back again with my trunks wrapped in a damp towel.
"Back in those days the top deck was often so thick with smoke from cheap fags courtesy of Players that from the outside you couldn't see anyone in there."
Pink Line is the latest route to be upgraded with the low emission double decker buses following a £3 million investment in the 28 route.
It comes as part of a £42 million investment to the NCT fleet in the last two years.
"A lot has changed over the years but I suspect young kids are still excited to ride the bus into town," Mr Normal added.
"It's great that NCT has invested in Bio Gas. With the same foresight from all quarters we'll curb climate change and there'll be a safe world for our grandkids to ride on the bus, as opposed to needing a submarine."
Nottingham City Transport operates the largest fleet of bio-gas buses in the world and 120 will be driving on the city's streets by autumn.
Anthony Carver-Smith, NCT Marketing Manager, added: "With Henry growing up in Bilborough and having such fond memories and association with the route in to town, we’re delighted to name one of our brand new Pink bio-gas buses ‘Henry Normal’ and welcome him to our exclusive club of around 30 people who have NCT buses named in their honour."
NCT has reduced emissions by 8000 tonnes of CO2 and 70 tonnes of nitrogen oxide through investment in bio-gas.
