MEMORIES of the 'Toast Rack' - a local bus named after its appearance - has caused quite a stir among contributors to the Free Press letters page.

It was started by a letter in the December 16 edition from Joan Storey, of Spring Gardens, Alcombe. An old film and Hilary Binding's column Notes by the Way triggered pre-war memories and the question: "Does anyone remember the toast rack?".

Among those who did remember were Harold Cane, of Combeland Road, Alcombe, and Dolly Merrett, of Ponsford Road, Minehead, whose letters cleared any confusion.

It was a green bus with open sides and slatted seats, said Mr Cane, while Miss Merrett described its long seats: "We slid in at the side and travelled to the pier for one or two pence.

"In wet weather, curtains were drawn on either side to keep passengers dry," she added.

And on December 30, a letter from Geoff Gilham, of Brook Road, Williton, filled in more detail - rows of upright seats that "vaguely resembled a toast rack".

Now Mr M Charlebois, of Blenheim Road, Minehead, has completed the picture with this photograph taken in Marshfield Road, Alcombe, in the 1930s.