NEARLY a dozen classic Routemaster buses are returning to the south-east after a voyage halfway around the world.

In a unique display of repatriation, 11 of the much-loved former London buses have been shipped from North America to Ongar where they will operate on a heritage service alongside the soon-to-be-restored train line.

The double-deckers, all dating from 1947 to 1963, and in mint condition, have been hard at work in Prince Edward Island, Canada, for over 45 years giving tours to cruise ship passengers.

Roger Wright the managing director of The Epping Ongar Railway decided to ship the vintage vehicles back home as part of his ongoing project to restore transport links between Ongar and Epping.

The unique buses still carry London Transport names on the side, and contain original posters from their era.

They will come into action and operate as a complementary transport service when the first stage of train line between Epping and Ongar is finally restored, possibly by the end of the year. They will also be available for charters and weddings.

-Ongar Station will be open to the public on Sunday, July 4 from 10am to 4pm for people to meet the volunteer team carrying out restoration work on the railway.