Ipswich Transport Museum’s 50th birthday was marked with a cavalcade through the town and a special party at its Cobham Road headquarters at the weekend.

Six beautifully-restored buses and fire engines travelled in convoy from the Cornhill – the main bus interchange in town 50 years ago – to the museum to start the event.

They were joined by mayor Glen Chisholm who travelled on Ipswich Corporation’s first motorbus, ADX 1, which led the procession from the town centre.

Mr Chisholm said: “It’s a great museum – reminding the town of its rich heritage. And the exhibits are so wonderfully preserved.”

Driving one of the coaches was Eric Mouser, who bought its first exhibit in 1965 and effectively set off the whole museum.

He said: “We are really pleased to have reached this landmark – and the vehicle that started it all is now in the final stages of restoration, it should be back on the road early next year.”

As well as the cavalcade there was a special cake at the museum – and visitors were treated to rides on some of the exhibits which have been restored by volunteers.