CLASSIC vehicle enthusiasts from across the country will be descending on Whittlesey and Thorney for a major new event on Saturday May 18.

Cambs Times: This 1978 Bristol VR will be on the road.This 1978 Bristol VR will be on the road. (Image: Archant)

The first Fenland classic bus running day and vehicle show will feature free rides on preserved buses and coaches from Whittlesey Market Place to Thorney, where there will be a classic car display on the village green. Thorney Museum will also be open.

Local operator Emblings/Judds of Guyhirn will be operating classic Bristol VR double deckers, including an open top bus, on its 701 service from Peterborough bus station to Whittlesey.

It’s hoped that as many buses with local connections as possible will return to the area for the event along with others.

The new event follows the highly successful Morley’s 90 organised by Eastern Bus Enthusiasts last year, in memory of the much-missed Whittlesey-based operator which served the local area from 1922-2005.

Spokesman for the event, Nick Larkin said: “After Morley’s 90 we had so many people asking for another event that we’re very pleased to announced the first Fenland event. We hope it will bring visitors to the area, as well as being a great day out locally. We also want to raise funds for some very good causes.”

The day will also include mystery tours to places of bus-related interest.

Rides on preserved buses are free but people will be invited to make donations to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Peterborough Soup Kitchen.

Local operators including Delaine, Dews, Emblings/Judds, WH Fowler, Grettons, and Stagecoach are all planning to bring vehicles to the event. More buses and classic cars are welcome.

Anyone interested in local buses is invited to contact Eastern Bus Enthusiasts via www.easternbusgroup.