Lytham Hall Running Day

Brush bodied Leyland Cheetah LZ2 No. 1568, new to Ribble Motors in 1936 and completely restored in 2013

The highlight of the local transport events on the Fylde Coast on August Bank Holiday Monday was undoubtedly the Ribble Vehicle Preservation Trust's annual running day at Lytham Hall. This was the second year that this event has been held, and it gives a unique opportunity to photograph and ride a large selection of preserved buses from a variety of local operators. A regular free bus service was operated all day between Lytham Hall, Lytham town centre and Fairhaven Lake. As well as a large selection of buses from the Ribble group's own collection, there were preserved buses that formerly operated with Lytham St. Annes Corporation, Blackpool Corporation and Fishwick's of Leyland to be seen and sampled. This rally is quickly becoming an event not to be missed for local transport enthusiasts, and as well as seeing the buses around the very picturesque setting of the grade 1 listed Lytham Hall and its grounds, many of them were also in use on the frequent circular bus service that ran throughout the day.

From L to R, 1954 Leyland Tiger Cub, 1965 Leyland Leopard and 1961 Leopard with Harrington Cavalier coach body

1934 Lytham Leyland Lion LT5A No. 24, this bus had been exported to Canada but was repatriated and fully restored

A 1958 Leyland Titan PD2 with lowbridge Weymann bodywork, new to local operator Fishwick's of Leyland

Former Blackpool 512, a 1967 Leyland Titan PD3 in front of Lytham Hall and about to take part in the running day

Ribble 1939 Leyland Titan TD5 No. 2057, this bus was rebodied with Alexander bodywork in 1949

Leyland Lion 1161, the oldest restored bus in the RVPT's collection, new to Ribble Motors in 1931

Former Lytham St. Annes Corporation No. 10, a 1948 Leyland Titan PD2/1 with Leyland bodywork