Queues for buses and hundreds of smiling faces were on show at Ipswich Transport Museum on Sunday as its latest bus day re-united three 70-year-old vehicles for the first time.

A bus operating day is a familiar autumn fixture on the museum's calendar, but this was the first time that three of the town's Regent buses from the early to mid 50s had shared work for the event.

Brown and cream Lowestoft Buses joined their Ipswich cousins for the event. The Lowestoft bus is two years older than the original Ipswich motorbus on the right which dates from 1950.Brown and cream Lowestoft Buses joined their Ipswich cousins for the event. The Lowestoft bus is two years older than the original Ipswich motorbus on the right which dates from 1950. (Image: Paul Geater)

They were joined by a pair of former Lowestoft Borough Transport buses from the East Anglian Transport Museum in Carlton Colville - and provided regular trips between the Cobham Road museum, the town centre and the railway station.

Not on the road today - but the museum also has exhibits from Eastern Counties.Not on the road today - but the museum also has exhibits from Eastern Counties. (Image: Paul Geater)

Former Eastern Counties buses provided an alternative route - a trip over the Orwell Bridge which wasn't even a glimmer in the eye when the Regents ruled the roads!

Owen Phillips at the wheel of one of the 1950s buses.Owen Phillips at the wheel of one of the 1950s buses. (Image: Paul Geater)

Event organiser Owen Phillips was delighted by the turnout for the event.

He said: "We have been lucky with the weather. It's dry. It isn't too cold and lots of people have turned up.

"They're enjoying trips in the old buses and it's good to have so many people here."

This 60-year-old Regent bus needs £40.000 before it can return to the road.This 60-year-old Regent bus needs £40.000 before it can return to the road. (Image: Paul Geater)

The event was also seen as a 60th birthday party for one of the best-known former buses from the town.

The Regent V bus in the museum is a mere youngster - dating from 1964 - but volunteers were hoping to raise some of the £40,000 needed to put it back on the roads again.

Mark Smith from the museum said it was important that as many exhibits as possible were in working condition.

He said: "We do want them to look good and for people to be able to see them up close, but we also want to see them in action - doing what they were built for."

About 60 years separates these generations of Ipswich buses - the two on the right are from the mid-50s alongside a 2015-built modern vehicle.About 60 years separates these generations of Ipswich buses - the two on the right are from the mid-50s alongside a 2015-built modern vehicle. (Image: Paul Geater)

And judging by the crowds at the museum many people feel the same!