AN OLD 1970s Southern Vectis bus has returned to the Island to be featured at the Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum.

The 42-year-old single-decker Leyland National bus will be on display to the public when the museum reopens on April 7.

The bus will also participate in the Rydabus and Beer and Buses events later in the year.

Richard Newman, of the Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum, said: "The 52-seat bus was one of 19 supplied new between 1973 and 1977, although the company really required double-deckers at the time.

"Theoretically, 24 standing passengers could have been carried, but this was unpopular (and unrealistic) with the Island's clientele.

"The National Bus Company, of which Southern Vectis was a constituent at that time, had decided that the type, which they regarded as the Bus of the Future, built at a new factory in Workington, Cumbria, be supplied throughout the country."

The bus eventually passed to an enthusiast in Staffordshire, who carried out restoration work, but wanted to see it back in home territory.

Three of the museum's drivers took the vehicle the 230 mile journey south.

Motorways were avoided as the bus had not made such a lengthy run for some time, but the bus performed well.