PASSENGERS on the Moorsbus network are taking a trip back in time with the latest vehicle to join the fleet.

As part of the North York Moors National Park's 50th birthday celebrations, park chiefs have drafted in a 1950s Leyland coach to ferry visitors through the beauty spot.

Bus driver Granville Smith, of John Smith and Sons, near Thirsk, will be shuttling travellers to and from Sutton Bank visitor centre throughout the summer holidays.

Tourism and transport officer Bill Breakell said the restored 33-seater coach looked perfectly at home up on the moors. He said: "Granville restored it himself and it is his pride and joy - I'm sure he will be driving exceptionally carefully. I think the bus has been in the family firm since it was new."

Mr Breakell said the beautifully-restored bus would be returning as part of the ever expanding moors network service, with discounts and special offers available as with all the other services.

He added: "Last year, Moorsbus saved almost 700,000 miles of car journeys in and around the North York Moors, saving congestion and air pollution, protecting the landscape, and preserving the peace and tranquillity which most visitors say are the special qualities which attract them to the area."

Updated: 09:02 Wednesday, July 24, 2002