Vintage buses hit the road in Torbay
By Laura Joint
BBC Devon
The vintage buses with some of the drivers and conductors suitably attired
Visitors and locals in Torbay can take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with the arrival - on time - of three vintage buses.
Taking to the roads for the summer season are classic buses including a 1961 former Devon General open top bus and a 1960 Leyland double decker.
They will be on the Service 500 Coastal Explorer from 1 May 2010.
The route includes the coast road between Paignton and Broadsands, where there are stunning sea views.
To add to the nostalgia, there will be drivers and conductors dressed in uniforms just like those worn in the 1950s and 1960s.
There are coastal views on the route
The new service is a result of a partnership between Torbay Council and Devonian Motor Services, run by vintage bus enthusiast Richard McAllister (pictured left in the photo at the top of the page).
"For many years, I have had a passion and enthusiasm for classic and vintage buses," said Richard, who has been in the industry for 25 years.
"Now my dream of turning a hobby into a business using lovingly restored vehicles has become a reality."
Richard and Torbay Council are now keeping their fingers crossed that the summer weather will also be just like it used to be in the olden days (according to our nostalgic memories).
Patrick Carney from Torbay Council said: "We are sure many people are looking forward to seeing these classic buses out and about on Torbay's roads once again now that the vehicles have been given a new lease of life."
For those with a keen interest in classic buses, here is the list of those run by Devonian Motor Services:
Admiral Blake, a 1961 former Devon General open top bus; a rare 1956 Foden double decker, which last carried fare paying passengers in 1972 and which has been in a museum for the last 15 years; a 1960 Leyland double decker last in service in Bournemouth and formerly used as an exhibition unit; Black Prince, a 1973 Leyland open top bus formerly in service in Edinburgh; and a 1961 Western National local bus.