A GROUP of passengers responsible for driving a campaign to save their local bus route received a pleasant surprise recently with a letter from two American tourists who were made to feel at home thanks to the service.

Kathy and Max McDuffie, from South Carolina, recently stayed in Whitebrook for 16 days, and made the decision to use the 65 bus route to travel around the area.

They were so impressed with the service that they felt compelled to write a letter to the Friends of the 65 Bus group - which was formed in June last year when the route came under the threat of imminent closure by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC).

"As first-time visitors to Wales, we planned to forgo the tourist route in favour of living among the locals in a rural setting," they wrote. "We thought we would get to know people by frequenting neighbourhood pubs - which we did somewhat, but the way we really seemed to connect was through riding the 65!

"Rob (driver) became our best friend in Wales. He was so helpful in suggesting places to see, while telling us which bus to use and where and when to get it. More than once he saw we were standing at the wrong place, so corrected us before resuming his route.

"It was great fun to be recognised in another town or on another bus as the couple from South Carolina," the letter continued. "We saw fellow passengers at pubs, restaurants, shops, and even at a hotel in Chepstow on our last night. Brian, who we had just met on one of our first rides, showed up that evening at our cottage; he had brought his wife and shared information about the bus and nearby walking trails. One of the passengers saw us walking on the road between Trellech and Penallt, stopping to give us a ride.

"To Rob, Brian, and all the others who helped make our stay so memorable, we say a big thank you - and long live the 65!"

Rosemary Corcoran, Brian Mahony and Jane Gilliard of The Friends of the 65 Bus were delighted with the letter. Rosemary also said how proud it made the group feel to be a part of this community service and of the special relationship the drivers have with all the passengers.

"The regular passengers enjoyed meeting the American visitors and hearing about their exploits," she told the Beacon. "Kathy and Max truly became part of our 65 Bus community while they were here and have shown just what is possible, when a journey starts on the 65 Bus. We would like to thank everyone who helped to make their holiday so special."