A CENTENARIAN passenger shared his birthday with a Dial a Ride service celebrating its first anniversary of business.

Sid Unthank, who is at the centre of a family celebration for his 100th birthday, loves his regular trips on the bus with his friend and carer, Rene Gibbons.

The 85-yearold, who has known Sid for over 30 years, said: "He's brilliant. I live at Redcar and he lives at New Skelton, so we're backwards and forward at least twice a week - and go to bingo on a Saturday."

They are among the scheme's 350 members who are all residents of the borough and because they are unable to use public transport have access to this Redcar and Cleveland Council service.

Councillor Mary Lanigan, the council's cabinet member for highways, transportation and planning said: "The service continues to go from strength to strength, helping residents just like Sid, so we're delighted to be able to make this a double celebration."

The service, available from 8am-11.30pm seven days a week, is provided for a £10 annual subscription, plus fares.

The council has also launched a text booking service to provide independence for members with speech or hearing difficulties.

To find out more about the scheme, call 01642-444973 or text 07766-497771.