An Eden Valley coach firm is revving up for expansion after taking delivery of a new fleet of vehicles, reports Jim Smith.

Cumbria Classic Coaches has bought the five classic buses with the help of a business expansion grant from the Department of Trade and Industry.

The family firm, based at Bowber Head, Ravenstonedale, has doubled the number of vintage coaches on its books.

Owner Will Hamer bought the buses from Stefan Torres of York, who was keen to keep his collection intact rather than sell them off individually.

The line-up includes a 1953 Commer Avenger bus, complete with sunroof and wind down windows, which has undergone conversion work at Crooklands Garage from a petrol engine to running on the more environmentally-friendly and cheaper Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Three of the other coaches will be familiar to fans of ITV's Sunday night show Heartbeat, having appeared in the Sixties soap drama.

Mr Hamer, whose wife Claire, son Anthony and daughter Alison all work in the business, said he was delighted with his latest acquisitions.

Buying the coaches means the business can start running vintage bus tours both at home and abroad, either on its own or in conjunction with a heritage magazine.

The first foray overseas will happen in May, when a week-long trip to Norway is being lined up once all the necessary paperwork is completed.

A five-night break tour of the Lakes and Dales is all set to run in June and September, with trips to Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Isle of Wight also on the cards.

The firm's coaches are in demand for private functions such as weddings and corporate events, and it also runs the popular Kirkby Stephen-Hawes bus service on Tuesdays during the season. Plans are in hand to extend this service to Ribblehead Viaduct this Easter.

January 8, 2003 08:30