There's some funny things lost in Rotherham

A CHILD in a carry cot, a box of kittens, a false leg and a kitchen sink are among the strangest items left on South Yorkshire's public transport, bus bosses have revealed.

The lost property, which also includes 42 packets of bacon, a lawnmower, three boxes of live crickets, a set of false teeth, several bags of soil, a pair of crutches and an envelope containing thousands of pounds, are just some of the things reported missing to bus companies Stagecoach Yorkshire and First South Yorkshire at their local depots over the last few years.

Bus Partnerships in Sheffield and Rotherham have revealed the files in celebration of the third annual Catch the Bus Week, a nation-wide campaign taking place from until Sunday (5) to promote the benefits of bus travel.

Made up of the organisations responsible for bus travel in the districts, including bus operators, local authorities and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, the Bus Partnerships aim to improve local bus services so the number of people using them grows.

Stagecoach Yorkshire Managing Director, Paul Lynch, said: “Almost 2.5 million people all over Britain travel to work by bus every day, and a million more use the bus as a vital back up, so it’s not surprising that we find some odd things left on board.

“Catch the Bus Week is a great way to remind people how easy and convenient bus travel is to get around.

“It helps support local communities and boosts the economy, with bus commuters creating more than £64 billion worth of goods and services in the UK every year.

“And from the items reported missing it’s clear that people use our local buses for a variety of journeys.

“We would like to reassure passengers that the lost child and box of kittens were reunited safely with their parents and owner.”

First South Yorkshire Managing Director, Ben Gilligan, said: “It’s nice to literally save someone's bacon.

“The gentleman was very specific about how many packets were missing. And the owner of the lost pair of crutches called us so we could help him get home.

“Lost property records are an entertaining element of bus travel, but there are serious benefits that include helping the environment and improving air quality in our towns and cities.”

To report lost and found property on South Yorkshire’s public transport network call Traveline on 01709 515151 or visit travelsouthyorkshire.com.