I went on the bus for a day out to Bridgnorth and found a rattling good odyssey

So popping to see the delights of Bridgnorth by an hour-long ride is more a 'busman's holiday' for me than a chore.

And on Saturday I happened to have a freedom of the line ticket for the Severn Valley Railway.

It was also the last day of the Bridgnorth Beer Festival with its fine liquid offerings for sale, and a terrific excuse to test my ageing bladder on the hour-long ride from Shrewsbury.

Aiming to get into Bridgnorth nice and early for a wander around and for breakfast, I targeted the 7.45am from Shrewsbury Bus Station where the building is best described as 'tired, old, grotty and a bit smelly.'

But you can get a cheap coffee for 75p and a copy of the Shropshire Star at the excellent newsagents there.

My immaculately calculated plans to catch the second of the thirteen 436 buses of the day to my destination were scuppered when I stood on the wrong side of Stand P.

Engrossed by checking for new mobile phone deals on my ancient Samsung, I missed that I was on the wrong side of the stand.

Next thing I knew was the Select Bus Services vehicle was very much on time and went sailing off round the lights at Raven Meadows on to Smithfield Road.

I waved forlornly at the driver but he didn't seem interested.