HE is one of Britain's best known designers. Now Wayne Hemingway has helped stamp his mark on York's new "superbus" by unveiling a special edition design for one ftr vehicle.

The Red or Dead designer judged the entrants of a UK-wide competition, which was open to undergraduate design students at colleges and universities.

The winning entry, devised by 21-year-old Adam Johnson, from Leicester, will now be carried on one of the new 18 metre-long futuristic vehicles.

Adam, who is reading BA graphic art and design at Leeds Metropolitan University, won a cheque for £1,000 and will be able to see his design driving round the streets of York when ftr launches on the Number 4 University of York to Acomb route on Monday.

Mr Hemingway, who came to York to unveil the new livery, said he looked for a design that embraced modernity, and felt ftr was an exciting concept.

"I was looking for a design that combined modernity, human values and wit," he said. "ftr is an exciting concept.

"Public transport in cities is vital to the economy, the environment and sustainable economies.

"I am delighted to have been involved in this competition which has given young up and coming designers a platform for their work."

York is the first city to benefit from the ftr vehicle, which is being introduced by bus company First in partnership with City of York Council. Each vehicle costs £300,000.

Ten vehicles will run on the Number 4 route, which is York's fastest-growing passenger service.

Barbara Bedford, project director at First for ftr, said: "We wanted students to come up with a special edition livery that would complement the design of the vehicle.

"We also wanted this design to represent the undiscovered creative talent of the UK.

"I am pleased to say that that is exactly what we have got. This will be a moving piece of art."

Updated: 10:03 Thursday, May 04, 2006