ECW-bodied Bristol L5G, HHN202, seen at the 1999 MetroCentre bus rally. The vehicle was originally new to United subsidiary Bells of Westerhope in 1947. Then after spending some time with United between 1951 and 1959, the vehicle was transferred to the company’s Durham District Services subsidiary, in whose livery it is now preserved.

This former Eden Bus Services Leyland National 3502 (RJI5344) joined United following the acquisition of the Eden business by North East Bus Ltd. Originally KJD527P, the vehicle was new to London Transport in 1976. By July 31st 1997 when seen here at Sunderland's Park Lane bus station, the bus had been converted to single door configuration and a set of coach seats fitted.

During 1985 United purchased this ECW-bodied Leyland-DAB Tiger Cub for evaluation as possible replacement for the company’s standard small single decker, the Bristol LH. However, 1500 (B500MPY) remained unique, and in 1990 was transferred to United’s newly-formed Tees and District subsidiary, in whose livery it is seen here while participating in that year’s H.C.V.S. Tyne-Tees Run.

Ex-London & Country Plaxton 'Paramount'-bodied Leyland Tiger 1333 (A117EPA) at Sunderland's Park Lane bus station. 29-06-97

In 1977 this Marshall-bodied Bristol LHS, 1452 (NDL769G) was purchased by United from Southern Vectis. The bus is now preserved by the Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society and is seen at Gypsies Green Stadium, South Sheilds, after participating in the 1993 HCVS Tyne Tees Run.

1452 at the MetroCentre bus rally, 12-07-98. The vehicle is seen sporting the special 'Newtonian' livery that was carried by this vehicle from May 1983 for use on the Newton Aycliffe town service.

Ex-London Cityrama Optare-bodied Leyland Olympian 263 (E963PME) seen at the 1992 Seaburn bus rally.

Ex-Blackpool Leyland National 2 3152 (A542PCW) at Park Lane bus staion, Sunderland on the 28th July 1997.

3765 (XWA75X), one of a number of Leyland National 2s purchased from Yorkshire Bus during 1997. The vehicle is seen at Sunderland Interchange on the 29th October 1999.

National 2 3768 (EWT210Y) at Park Lane bus station on February 15th 1998.

Optare 'Delta'-bodied DAF SB220 4021 (L421FHN) seen at Sunderland Interchange on October 23rd 1999.

6080 was a Bristol RELH new to United in 1973. The vehicle is now preserved and is seen here at the North East Bus Preservation Society's Seaburn rally on August 28th 2000.

Preserved Bristol RELH/ECW, 6080 (SHN80L), seen at High Barnes, Sunderland, amid a torrential downpour while participating in the 1991 H.C.V.S. Tyne-Tees Run.

One of my early attempts at bus photography, taken with my very first camera during August 1982. Dual-purpose Bristol RELH 6083 (VHN783M) is seen departing Durham bus station on the 724 service to Bishop Auckland.

ECW-bodied Bristol VR 822 (MEF822W) at the MetroCentre rally on the 12th July 1998.

This Bristol L5G/ECW, LHN860, was new to United in 1950. The bus was converted to one-man operation in 1960 and is the only survivor of thirty such vehicles. Owned by Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society since 1981, the vehicle has been rallied extensively and is seen here outside Ryhope Engines Museum, Sunderland on October 28th 2007

Preserved United Bristol L5G/ECW, LHN860, approaches Ryhope Engines Museum while operating a free vintage bus service – 28th October 2007

Preserved 1942 United Bristol K5G/ECW, GHN189, pictured outside Ryhope Engines Museum, Sunderland – 28th October 2007

Preserved Bristol L5G, BLO423 (LHN823), seen in Chester Road, Sunderland, participating in the 1991 H.C.V.S. Tyne-Tees Run. The vehicle is fitted with a rear-entrance ECW bus body and was new in 1949.

This AEC Matador was originally new to the Royal Air Force in 1944 as a radar tractor. It was acquired by United in the early 1970s for use as a tow truck, and fitted with a new coach-built body in 1973, which included the fitting of a Bristol RE-style lower front panel. The vehicle is now preserved and is seen at the 2006 H.C.V.S rally at Bents Park, South Shields.