TWO vintage buses - including one 87-year-old veteran - have proved an instant hit with visitors when they went into service last Friday to provide a link between West Somerset Railway’s Dunster station and Minehead, bypassing the closed level crossing at Seaward Way which has stopped heritage trains reaching the end of the line.

“The vintage bus shuttle services certainly proved their worth in carrying more than 120 people on the Friday, and then many more passengers over the weekend, bringing Minehead back as a destination for the 20-mile line once more,” a WSR spokesman said.

“The bus-link service will continue through the summer until the re-opening of Seaward Way level crossing, which is being rebuilt to 21st century safety standards. Travel on these historic buses is included in the rail ticket but bus travel is not available to non-railway passengers.

“A more modern bus is available additionally to convey disabled passengers and their travelling companions.”

The buses are a 1934 former Devon General AEC double decker and a Bristol VR type which first entered service with the Bristol Omnibus Company in 1976.

The spokesman added: “Work on completing Seaward Way level crossing is proceeding well. In the meantime, the heritage buses are providing a popular added tourist attraction.”