ALMOST every time the number PB1 bus pulls up outside a stop in Potters Bar, a rather unusual looking and over-excited passenger boards. This character is probably slightly hairier and noisier than your average over-60 who gets on

ALMOST every time the number PB1 bus pulls up outside a stop in Potters Bar, a rather unusual looking and over-excited passenger boards.

This character is probably slightly hairier and noisier than your average over-60 who gets on as well; she causes a pandemonium with passengers as she runs around going mad... barking and chasing her tail!

For it's Abby, the black Labrador, who is the newly-appointed bus mascot - with a certified bus pass.

The 11-year-old pooch, who lives in Shillitoe Avenue with owner Andrea Jones, goes mad whenever she sees the bus and has to jump on.

Andrea, who is currently living with friends in Potters Bar, said Abby had never seen a bus before and that's the only explanation she can find for her dog's excitement.

"We used to live out in the country in Spain and before that when she was a puppy, in Luton.

"We've never been near a bus route before. So when she saw the bus near, she thought 'what's this?' and ran on.

"It was mad, she was barking and saying hello to everybody and then after a while every time she saw the bus it became a thing for her to do.

"She seems to think this is great fun."

Abby, who is 59 in human years - one year short of the bus pass age - was given the pass by a driver as a surprise for when Andrea was on holiday.

The dentistry receptionist added: "He did everything in secret, as a surprise; it was a lovely surprise. It's really just a bit of fun, but it's a really nice thing for Abby.

"She's such a lovely dog, everyone knows her round here, all the children.

"She's made lots of friends."

Peter O'Leary, the bus driver of the PB1 - a specialist passenger route that goes round Potters Bar, said: "I've known Abby for a couple of years, she's a beautiful dog.

"Whenever the bus pulls up she gets on and barks. So when I saw that the bus passes were being updated I thought we should make one for the dog.

"As you can imagine, everyone at work has found it quite funny.

"But I just did it as a thank you really. I have great passengers, you couldn't wish for nicer people than what you find in Potters Bar.