THE 11th Service Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, better known as the Accrington Pals, has launched a Christmas campaign to help restore this 1975 bus.

The vintage Leyland Leopard is one of the last remaining examples of a Hyndburn Transport vehicle and had been painted in the blue and red colours of the Accrington Pals.

If you help restore the bus this Christmas you will receive a specially designed, personalised gift certificate.

The bus is owned by charity Accrington Heritage Trust, and the plan is to restore the bus to a modern safety standard at a cost of £14,000, so that it is available to tour local historic sites and for use by schools and other local organisations. It is currently housed at the Town and District Transport Trust in Great Harwood.

The Accrington Pals said: “As a first step we are seeking funding for a project to simply get the bus into a roadworthy condition. We will be grateful for any help, however small.

“If you’re looking for an unusual and worthy Christmas gift, a beautifully designed gift certificate is now available on the website for all donations.

“Supporters will receive a digital copy of the certificate, and those donating £100 or more will receive a framed copy, posted anywhere in the UK.

“We thank you for helping us restore this heritage bus to its former glory, so it can be used to promote the glorious industrial, military and transport heritage of Accrington. It’s vital to preserve our heritage for future generations, so we shall never forget.”

The Leyland Leopard, Hyndburn fleet number 42, was constructed in 1974 but it was not until February 1975 that this and identical chassis were fitted by East Lancs Coachbuilders with their then new Elizabethan coach bodywork. Only three such bodies were ever constructed.

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