First York colleagues line the street to applaud bus driver Chris on his final journey

Drivers and colleagues at First York paid tribute to one of their own as the funeral cortege for Chris Tuite passed by the company’s George Hudson Street offices.

A guard of honour lined the streets yesterday (Thursday) to applaud as the procession made its way through the city, accompanied by a double-decker bus.

Chris, who completed 25 years’ service with the bus operator last year, was a regular face on its city routes.

He died in early April following a heart attack. He was 59.

A book of condolence opened by First York has given many drivers an opportunity to recall working with him and his “infectious laugh” that filled the staff canteen or memories of playing cards at break times.

He lived in Foxwood with his wife Gill and was a big fan of rugby league, supporting Castleford Tigers.

During his career Chris witnessed many changes to the way the depot and control room operate, from a paper-based system to digital technology.

One colleague said: “He was and always will be one of the old school and will be sadly missed.

“That’s why today we all chose to stand and applaud him instead of lowering our heads as that’s what he would have wanted.”

Managing director of First York Marc Bichtemann said: “The First York family has lost a real character and Chris’s untimely death has been a shock to all of us.

“Today’s guard of honour shows just how much a part of the York team he was.”