Our staff have joined forces with customers to raise £3,500 for a worthy cause during a ‘Big Weekend’ of activities.

While drivers across the network wore fancy dress to encourage donations from customers, other members of staff took part in a series of sponsored bus pull races during a Heritage Open Day.

trent barton staff celebrate after completing a bus pull to raise money for Rainbows Children’s Hospice.

Held at the former bus depot in Chilwell, the historic home of trent barton’s predecessor Barton’s buses, the event attracted hundreds of visitors who all contributed to a mammoth fundraising effort for Rainbows Children’s Hospice.

Alex Hornby, Commercial Director, explained: "Although in its first year, we expect that trent barton's Big Weekend will fast become one of the highlights of our year, involving staff, customers and many of the communities we serve.

“This year we are delighted that our adopted charity for 2012, Rainbows, will be the main beneficiaries as they provide fantastic care and support for children with limiting conditions, and their families.

“As well as thanking customers who were so generous in their support, I’d also like to congratulate everyone who took part in the bus pull, especially the team representing our threes route, who won the event.”

The cash raised for Rainbows was also boosted by the donation of 5p from every fare across the network over the weekend.

Patricia Brookes, Director of Fundraising at Rainbows, commented: “I would really like to thank trent barton for all their efforts, not just over the weekend but right through the year.

“We also appreciate the donations from bus users. The support of businesses and the public is vital if we are to continue helping to provide the best possible care for some very special children and young people.”

You can view all the photos from trent barton's Big Weekend by clicking here...