Colleagues of Southcote councillor and ReadiBus champion Pete Ruhemann gathered on Thursday as the new £50,000 bus was officially launched in his name.

Councillors and residents alike were shocked to hear the news of Cllr Ruhemann’s death at the age of 66 last June.

Serving as Labour representative for Berkshire County Council and then Reading Borough Council, he spent nearly 30 years in public office.

Speaking at the launch outside the new Civic Offices in Bridge Street, Reading Mayor Cllr Tony Jones said: “Cllr Pete Ruhemann was a true champion of equality and access in Reading. He relentlessly fought for better outcomes for disabled people and it is fitting that the new ReadiBus will be dedicated to his memory.”

As well as working with ReadiBus from 1983, Cllr Ruhemann chaired the council’s access and disabilities working group. His widow — the current leader of the council Cllr Jo Lovelock — joined colleagues at the launch.

Professor Sophia Bowlby, chairman of ReadiBus, said: “This bus will be a tribute both to his quiet, considered and strategic involvement with ReadiBus over such a long time and to his wider contribution to access and equality in Reading.”