DEDICATED members of the Darwen Transport Trust are about to start renovations on a derelict bus used by locals in the 1970s.

Thanks to £200 grant from the Citizen/Crown Paints Award Scheme, the trust's 20 members now have the means to start returning the redundant vehicle to its former glory.

It is not the trust's first project. They regularly restore the old Blackburn and Darwen Corporation buses which carried passengers around the borough.

Secretary and treasurer Peter Dawson said: "We found the bus in a scrap yard in Barnsley three years ago and decided it would become our next project.

"It took us five years to finish work on a number 39 double decker and we're looking forward to our next challenge.

"The single decker, Bristol RE, fleet number seven bus, is almost a skeleton. First of all we'll need an engine and then we can build on the rest."

The bus was the last one bought by the corporation and is unique to the area as it is one of a few remaining whose body was build in East Lancashire.

Mr Dawson added: "I started the trust because the red Darwen buses were being lost and transport heritage forgotten. I believe they should be saved and I've now got nine - and I'm looking for more.

"I heard of one in Malta so I went there for my holidays this year to find it. The bus is still being used over there but hopefully one day I'll be able to get it."

The trust usually donate their spruced-up buses to charities, often taking children to the Camelot theme park or Blackpool's Illuminations.

But, as the trust is a charity, it is in need of funds and is planning to apply for a further grant from the lottery.

If anyone can help or would like to make a donation contact Peter on 761167.

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