Britain’s tallest man has taken a break from the Alhambra panto to help launch a new Mr Tall double-deck bus.

Neil Fingleton, who stands more than 7ft 7ins tall and plays Little John in the panto, Robin Hood, joined co-stars Billy Pearce and Hilary O’Neil to help Arriva Yorkshire.

The bus company has held a countywide search to find namesakes for the Mr Men and Little Miss characters which appear on its buses, commemorating Cleckheaton-born Mr Men creator Roger Hargreaves.

The buses operate on the 268 route which runs from Bradford, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Dewsbury.

Arriva Yorkshire spokesman Chloe Leach-O’Connell said: “These vehicles were first launched in 2008 and have become really popular. We decided it was time to refresh the characters and thought it would be fabulous if we could find some of their namesakes right here in Yorkshire. We were hoping a Mr Tall might come forward – and we’ve found Neil, the real thing, in Bradford!”

The new characters appearing on the buses are Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Tidy, Little Miss Birthday, Little Miss Bossy, Little Miss Contrary, Little Miss Dotty, Little Miss Scatterbrain, Mr Cheerful, Mr Impossible, Mr Messy, Mr Nonsense, Mr Nosey, and Mr Tall.