Paralympic gold medallist launches Priestley bus

PRIESTLEY College are aiming to inspire young people to achieve great things by wrapping a bus with the faces of high achievers and inspirational characters.
The bus, which carries college students from Helsby to Warrington, was unveiled by one of the faces on the side – 11-time Paralympic gold medallist Sarah Storey.
Storey, who turned the key in the ignition to the bus, was joined by Ian Howard from Springfield, who run the service. She said: “I was honoured to be asked to be the face of sport on Priestley’s bus, but it is surreal to see it alongside these other well-known names.
“I hope the Knowledge Express achieves its goal to inspire others to reach their full potential.”
The Knowledge Express will mainly be used on the route from Helsby to Warrington, but could also make appearances along roads between Culcheth, Winwick, Newton-le-Willows and Widnes.
Staring out at passers-by will be the late Steve Jobs, inspirational leader of Apple, as well as Albert Einstein whose theory of relativity changed science forever.
Shakespeare has a seat on the bus, his words still entertain audiences hundreds of years after his death as do those of Oscar Wilde who ‘sits’ next to him.
Also along for the ride is Van Gogh who had a far-reaching influence on 20th century art.
Deputy Principal Matthew Grant said he hoped it would act as a constant reminder to its students and everyone in Warrington to aim high.
“We are firm believers at Priestley that with hard work and a positive attitude anyone can reach their full potential,” he said.
“The people we have chosen to appear on the Knowledge Express have inspired generations and we hope they will continue to do so in Warrington.”
Student President and College Governor Ben Craven said: “A lot of us will see these faces every day on the way to college and it is a reminder of what can be achieved with dedication and making the most of your talent.”