Poignant video shows how NCT buses have continued through lockdown

"It's been a tough time for us all and your support means a lot."

A Nottingham bus operator has released a video showing how the the company and its workers have continued to keep the city moving during lockdown.

The 46-second edit is a fitting tribute to all workers at Nottingham City Transport (NCT) including bus drivers, cleaners, engineers, and phone operators.

The video starts with an aerial view of the main bus depot near the Motorpoint Arena, where rows of rainbow-coloured buses can be seen lined up while out of action.

The camera moves inside the garages and a close up of the bus windscreens shows 'VOR' posters meaning 'vehicle off road'.

Elsewhere at the bus headquarters, office chairs sit empty with the tear-off calendar date left at March 23 - the day lockdown was introduced, and presumably the last day anyone was present.

While Nottingham city centre appears still and silent, with a shot showing a deserted Old Market Square, a bus then emerges from the depot to signify services - while reduced - are still present.

The video then introduces some of NCT's staff members turning up for the day, cleaning down the passenger seating, taking calls and getting out on the roads.

It ends with a quick montage of team members who, throughout the past two months, have continued to work, all the while maintaining the health and safety of passengers.

The video was posted with a statement, that read: "It's two months since we introduced our emergency timetables as the country went into lockdown.

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"Things have been very quiet for us over that time, with a significant drop in usage and most of our buses parked up.

"But for those of you who've needed us, we've been here throughout and we'd like to say a big thank you to you all for your kind words, appreciation and comments. It's been a tough time for us all and your support means a lot.

"Until we meet again, take care and stay safe."

The bus operator announced additional services would be introduced as it expected more people to return to work.

It has also issued a set of measures for travelling on the buses, including wearing face coverings where social distancing was not possible.