THE Museum of Transport in Manchester has the biggest collection of beautifully restored vintage buses and coaches in the UK.

More than 80 buses are housed in the museum, originating from 1890 to 1980, mainly from the North-west.

Starting in the Upper Exhibition Hall, this is where the 'running' vehicles are kept, which means many can be out and about at any time of the day. Make sure you try and catch a glimpse of the Manchester Trolleybus 1250.

There is a wonderful display of hand painted tour boards from years gone by and the destination and service indicator certainly makes you realise we have it easy in these digital days... or do we? When was the last time printed information broke down?

To the rear of the Upper Exhibition Hall is the workshop and it is here that most of the restoration work is carried out.

One of the buses, the Rochdale Corporation 235, has recently undergone a "last nut and bolt" restoration and if you time it right you can watch the museum's sign writer apply the finishing touches to the vehicles.

The Lower Exhibition Hall has a more static feel, but this is not to say the buses never move, they frequently do!

However, in this hall the displays are a bit more permanent.

It's here you can see the Metrolink car and many other examples of public transport from bygone days.

There is a tea room for drinks and snacks and you can even feast your eyes on some of the displays set out there too.

The museum also houses some smaller exhibits which include old bus stop signs, car badges and miniature buses.

And if you want to take a souvenir home with you, the well stocked museum shop sells everything from pens to videos, books and models.

The Transport Museum is probably a must for die-hard fans of the glory days of public transport, but it is also an interesting place to spend an afternoon.

FACTFILE

The Museum of Transport, Boyle Street, Cheetham, Manchester M8 8UL.

Tel: 0161 205 2122, manned Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays 10-4.30pm, answerphone at other times.

Website: www.gmts.co.uk

The museum is about one mile from Manchester city centre and is easily accessible

The are disabled facilities

The museum is a registered charity and is run by volunteers

Opening times:

Open Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 10am to 4pm November to February and 10am to 5pm March to October

Admission charges

Adult over 16 £3, senior citizen over 60 £1.75, children between 5 and 15 £1.75, under 5s go free, registered disabled (proof needed) and persons on income support (proof needed) free. Family ticket £9, adult season ticket £8, family season ticket £20, child/senior citizen season ticket £8.