Bus route named after footballer for World Cup

A bus company has temporarily named some services after local footballer Ivan Toney as England begin their World Cup campaign.

Stagecoach Midlands has renamed its 9, 9A and 9B routes through Northampton as the "Toney Town" service after the former Cobblers and England striker.

Northampton-born Toney, 30, made his professional debut at Northampton Town in 2012 and now plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.

"We are incredibly proud that Ivan Toney is flying the flag for Northampton on the biggest stage of all, so, we thought we would mark the occasion by renaming our service for the duration of the tournament," said Mark Whitelocks, managing director of Stagecoach Midlands.

Stagecoach Midlands said the renamed service would operate throughout the tournament.

The route runs daily serving key parts of Northampton, including Sixfields Stadium, where Toney began his professional career.

Toney left the Cobblers in 2015 and had spells in England at clubs including Newcastle United, Peterborough United and Brentford before moving to Saudi Arabia.

"It is just a bit of fun. Hopefully both our buses and Ivan will be as reliable as ever during the tournament," Whitelocks added.

England start their World Cup campaign on Wednesday against Croatia.

Do you have a story suggestion for Northamptonshire? Contact us below.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.