SOUTHAMPTON played host to a special celebration of one of the region’s leading bus operators.

Vintage vehicles and fun family activities took pride of place next to the city’s famous Bargate on Sunday for Solent Blue Line’s 30th birthday party.

Now known as Bluestar, the firm laid on the special family event in support of Southampton Children’s Hospital Charity.

Managing director Andrew Wickham, said: “We were thrilled to celebrate 30 years in Southampton, alongside those who have worked with us and travelled on our buses over the last three decades.

“This was a wonderful celebration of Solent Blue Line’s history here. People had the chance to take to the roads in vintage buses - with three special heritage routes running across the town during the event."