THE next stop for a bus passenger was the local police station when he boarded Mark Newbon's single decker.

Mark was working the Bury to Manchester route when he instantly realised there was something familiar about a teenager who got on the bus at Sedgley Park in Prestwich and purchased a ticket towards the city centre.

Just a month earlier, the 18-year-old had robbed Mark of around £300 in fares when he was on duty on the same 98 bus route.

Aware he could scare off the offender by radioing for help, Mark (37) from Heap Bridge, Bury, managed to get the attention of a passing police patrol and the thief was arrested.

On March 24, the young robber pleaded guilty to theft at Salford Magistrates Court and was given a 12 month rehabilitation order and a six month curfew.

Mark, who has been driving for First Bus for 16 years, said: "I couldn't believe my luck when he got on my bus again. I recognised him instantly and he tried to shield his face with his hands because I think he recognised me."

It was on the evening of October 14 when the father of three was driving the number 98 bus from Manchester to Bury when he picked up a number of passengers on the outskirts of the city centre, including two youths wearing hooded tops and baseball caps.

Mark said: "Both of them had out of date passes and I challenged them. They then asked for two 40p concessionary fares and, even though they looked older, I didn't want any hassle so I let them on. They went upstairs and I forgot about them.

"As we approached Albert Park in Broughton, someone pushed the bell and I started to slow down at the stop. One of the lads hit the button to open the doors while we were still moving. I was steering, trying to stop and trying to close the doors when his mate leaned over and grabbed my cash bag.

"I tried to grab him but he pushed me off. Both teenagers ran off through Albert Park."

However, on November 22, Mark was again working the 98 bus route, this time from Bury to Manchester, when the lad who stole the money got on.

When the police confronted him, the teenager denied any involvement in the initial robbery but changed his plea to guilty when he appeared before magistrates.

Mark's bosses have praised him for his actions in bringing an offender to justice.

Mr Dave Longmate, service delivery manager at First Bus's depot in Bury, said: "Mark did really well. He kept his composure and just wanted to make sure the thief got his come-uppance."