Dorothy Millard-Parnell, also known as Millie, has been a trustee since the organisation began 25 years ago. It is the first time a bus has been named after someone.

The 90-year-old said: “I’m absolutely thrilled, it’s an honour to be the first person to have a bus named after them.

“To have seen the company grow from just one little bus when we first started has been marvellous. The volunteers are all fantastic and the work they do is tremendous. It really is a wonderful organisation.”

Miss Millard-Parnell, of Esplanade Road, added that she has only recently given up driving due to arthritis and has been on most of the Dial A Ride buses. However, she has yet to climb aboard her namesake vehicle for a ride.

Manager Julie Banks said: “We thought it would be nice to recognise what Millie has done for us – it was a unanimous decision by the trustees.”

The new bus cost £35,000 and was decorated with its special livery at KDT Graphics in Burniston.

It has an internal pillar lift rather than a ramp, adjustable seats and can accommodate up to three wheelchair passengers.

Mrs Banks added: “I think it looks great and we hope that eventually all the buses will look like that. The passengers have already given great feedback to drivers.”