A vintage fleet of eleven double-decker buses are making their way home to London from Prince Edward Island, part of the Atlantic Canada region.  For the past forty-five years these iconic vehicles have been transporting visitors around this stunning island, exploring its’ capital, Charlottetown, touring the North and South Shores and making regular visits to the historic sites, made famous by the book “Anne of Green Gables”.

Uniquely the London RT class buses are the very last ones of their kind working anywhere in the world. It was Mr. Conn Murphy’s passion for these bright red beauties which led him to ship his first double-decker from London to his home in Prince Edward Island. From this one bus, Abegweit Sightseeing Tours was born.  Mr. Murphy died in 1985 but his wife Shirley continued to run the business with the same dedication. The London double-deckers became a regular site across the Island, loved by locals and visitors alike.

Recently Shirley decided to sell the buses to British businessman Roger Wright, who owns the largest fleet of London double-deckers in the world.  Guided by her heart, Shirley felt they would be well looked after by Mr. Wright. The much-loved Prince Edward Island buses will now live out their retirement in a museum in Essex. The buses are all in excellent original condition and even have their original advertisements inside such as, “London Sightseeing Tour for 65p”!

Whilst the buses may be coming back, Prince Edward Island is popular with visitors from the UK for offering relaxed Canadian beach life, luxury resorts, the freshest possible seafood and activities such as golf, kayaking, hiking, fishing and cycling.  This summer Taylor Swift will travel to the Island to head up the second annual Cavendish Beach Festival. It’s a pity she will not ride into town aloft a double-decker!

For more information on Prince Edward Island visit www.gentleisland.com

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For media enquiries, images or to arrange a press trip to Atlantic Canada contact Tanya Hillman or Kylie Rathbone at KBC Public Relations and Marketing: Telephone: 01825 76 36 36 Email – tanya.hillman@kbc-pr.com

Editors Notes:

The Atlantic Canada region is coastal Canada on our doorstep.  Just five hours away from the UK, the provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have all the perfect elements for an interesting and inspiring escape.  Each province has its own character but all are renowned for their outstanding natural beauty, stunning coastline, friendly people, incredible seafood, UNESCO World Heritage sites and National Parks. This region really is Canada’s best-kept secret.

 To discover more about Atlantic Canada visit www.AtlanticCanadaHolidays.ca. or take a tour.                          

 26^th May 2010