Leyland National 50 event to showcase Whitehaven's transport heritage

Organised by Workington Transport Heritage Trust, it will see the largest gathering of these iconic vehicles since production of the model ceased in the mid 1980s.

John Baker, chief executive of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming these vintage buses on to the Harbour, celebrating an incredible 50 years since Leyland production commenced at Lillyhall. 

"There will be visitors from far and wide descending on Whitehaven for the weekend and the buses will form a magnificent sight on display along the promenades.

"The team at the Workington Heritage Transport Trust, Gerard Richardson and the Town Council have done an amazing job pulling the event together and we look forward to seeing the town and harbour bustling with people having a great time."

HISTORY: A Leyland Bus parked outside the site of their original factory

Not only did the first Leyland National enter service on the streets of Whitehaven, but a completely new, highly automated, factory was established at nearby Lillyhall to manufacture it.

The location was chosen to counter job losses from traditional local industries such as steel-making and coal mining.

The first bus rolled off the production line in 1972 and, by the time it had been superceded in 1985, over 7,700 Nationals had been assembled here in West Cumbria. 

The buses will not just remain static, instead they will offer a park and ride service for visitors.

The tours will head over to Lakes College and also the site of the former bus factory, now used by Eddie Stobart. 

The organisers have thanked the support of the companies and groups that have helped to make it possible.

They listed: Whitehaven Town Council, Copeland Borough Council, Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, The Beacon Museum, Lakes College, Britain’s Energy Coast, Eddie Stobart and Stagecoach for offering their support. 

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