KINGSBRIDGE Vintage Bus Running Day set new records last weekend, carrying just short of 6,000 passengers throughout the day.

The event saw classic bus routes brought back to life, with buses journeying to and from Kingsbridge bus station throughout the South Hams.

Seaside places were understandably among the most popular destinations, particularly Salcombe, Torcross and Slapton.

The weather was perfect, and not too hot for a bus journey. Organisers found that people were riding longer routes this year, as well as planning their journeys in advance of the day.

One conductor, who worked in East Prawle for decades was able to reminisce with his memories of the historic bus routes around the village.

Another popular route retraced a classic school bus route going up the Aune Valley to South Brent.

Since the first Vintage Bus Running Day in 2008, the event has grown in popularity every year and has become established in the Kingsbridge calendar on the third Saturday in September.

This year there were a record 41 vintage buses, running on 22 different routes.

Colin Billington, organiser and chairman of Thames Valley and Great Western Omnibus Trust said: ‘Thanks to our sponsors, particularly our main sponsor Tally Ho! who provided facilities and a ‘fitter’, who came to the rescue of one bus when a fuel pipe needed welding. Tally Ho! also provided a recovery vehicle in case one of the buses broke down - although this wasn’t needed on the day.

‘And thanks to Stagecoach for bringing along their vintage open-top bus, Kingsbridge Tourist Information Centre for selling programmes and the Cookworthy Museum for providing old photos, giving a historical perspective to the programme.

‘And of course, thanks to the key people who brought vehicles to Kingsbridge from as far away as Rotherham and South Wales.’

For further information, visit www.tvagwot.org.uk/event-kingsbridge.htm.