SITCOM favourite 'Blakey' visited Penarth this week to help launch the National Assembly's free local bus travel for pensioners and the disabled.

The On The Buses star, real name Stephen Lewis, was joined by Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Minister for the Environment Sue Essex on Tuesday to launch the scheme.

But as Penarth bathed in glory thanks to national television, viewers were treated to some home-grown artwork - graffiti daubed across the bus stop at Penarth Pier.

Organisers tried to hide the blue-coloured display with balloons, but there was no covering up such a let-down for the town.

All women aged over 60, men over 65 and registered disabled people can now travel free on local buses thanks to a £17 million grant from the Assembly for 2002-2003. Additional funding is due to be provided in 2003-2004 to provide free travel for men aged over 60.

Rhodri Morgan said: "The scheme has already been very warmly welcomed throughout Wales and provides yet another example of how the Welsh Assembly is making a real difference to so many people in Wales." Sue Essex added: "The scheme could not have been achieved without the support and commitment of local authorities and bus operators.

"I now urge all those entitled to free travel to take full advantage of their local services and get back 'On the Buses'."

Stephen Lewis - dressed in his On the Buses uniform - took on character the launch, regularly stating "I hate you Butler!".

Speaking exclusively to the Penarth Times he said: "I haven't been to Penarth before. I think it's interesting."

* Is graffiti in Penarth a problem? Is it embarrassing? Write to the Penarth Times at 12 Royal Buildings, Stanwell Road, Penarth, CF64 3YU or phone Ceri Garner on 2070 7234.