A quarter of a million miles and more than 20 years separate these two buses. The old half-cab wears its engine up front-the new one hides it at the rear. Same engines, almost, but look at those bodies.

When Burnley and Pendle Undertaking buses Number 44 and 45 made their last working journeys recently it marked the end of an era. For as 75 years of municipal transport in the area was celebrated OUT went the last two half cab, front engine single decker buses which have served in the area so well over the years on both normal and school routes. And IN came the first of a fleet of 14 luxury double-deckers-the latest word in public transport. The new double-deckers share one thing in common with the old half cabs-they both have bodies built by a Blackburn coach building firm. Originally 14 of the 39 seater half-cab Leyland Tiger buses were brought into service with the former Burnley, Colne & Nelson Joint Transport undertaking between 1953 and 1955. Subsequently they were modified for one man operation and were given a front entrance. The majority were sold in 1974. The buses cost £4000 when built but a single decker today would cost about £18,000. The new Burnley and Pendle double-deckers with their rear, vertically mounted engines and a host of safety features, cost about £25,000 each. They seat 75.