A NEW era has begun for Keighley Bus Museum.

The popular attraction has staged a first official open day as owner of its 'home'.

Keighley Bus Museum Trust was given notice in 2021 that it would have to vacate its Riverside base, and the hammer-blow threw the attraction's existence into jeopardy.

But in February the trust confirmed it had bought the premises – a former foundry building, off Dalton Lane.

The open day had been in the pipeline for months to mark the 100-year anniversary of the Keighley Corporation Straker Clough, the world’s oldest surviving double-deck trolleybus.

And with the signing over of documentation relating to the building completed just in time, the event got the green light.

In addition to the Straker Clough and the museum's vast collection, the open day also featured vehicles from guest groups including the West Yorkshire Morris Minor Club and Jowett Car Club's northern section.

There was a display from the Aire Valley Railway Modellers Club, and First Bus was present with its latest electric double-decker.

Other attractions included face painting, sales stalls, the Bradford Police Museum, motorbikes and a 15-piece jazz band.

David Hardcastle provided a 'police patrol' in period uniform.

Refreshments were available.

Free bus rides operated around the town, and there was a 'thank you' parade featuring a selection of vehicles.

A museum trust spokesperson says: "The open day was the start of a new chapter in our history.

"For a time, legal delays and costs almost jeopardised the event completely, however following the final signing over of documentation the open day was given the go ahead.

"There was an excellent attendance at the event. Admission was free, although donations were gratefully accepted!

"We would like to thank the people of Keighley for their support, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway for its permission to use Ingrow Station as a bus turning area, all the visiting bus and car owners who supplied their vehicles and everyone who attended, plus our members who helped on the day."

The trust's next event is on Sunday, September 1, from 10am to 4pm, and the popular Twilight venture returns on Sunday, November 3, between noon and 6pm. Updates will be posted on the trust Facebook page and at kbmt.org.uk, where further information about the museum can be found.

Keighley Bus Museum was founded in 1992, and has been based at its current location since 2005.