THE Winchester-based Friends of King Alfred Buses has announced a Running Gala to return in May 2015.

The traditional King Alfred buses from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s will recreate the old days over two days of the early May Bank Holiday weekend.

It replaces the popular running day of January 1 which has been discontinued.

Sunday May 3 2015 will see a recreation of a typical evening’s service on Winchester city routes.

The following day, Bank Holiday Monday, May 4, there will be a wider recreation of the King Alfred scene of the 1960s and 1970s in Winchester and the surrounding villages.

As well as free rides for all, this is expected to include the traditional enthusiast bazaar close to the Broadway.

FoKAB founder and chairman, James Freeman, said: “Having taken a breather since 1st January 2014 we feel the time has come to return at a kinder time of year for this event and give our many friends and supporters another chance to relive the best years of the King Alfred buses and experience again what it was like to ride on them.

“This time we will focus more completely on the King Alfred buses, of which we are so proud.”