THESE two trolleybuses, numbers 99 and 297, were part of a fleet used to transport passengers around Bournemouth until the decision to phase out all electric trolleys and replace them with diesel buses in 1963.

The photograph, taken on May 27 this year near Doncaster, Yorkshire, was emailed by Keith Baynton of Bournemouth Passenger Transport Association.

Keith says the two Bournemouth trolleys, kept at the National Trolleybus Museum in Sandtoft since the 60s, worked alongside other historic trolleybuses from London, Reading and Maidstone in what the museum termed a Southern Event.

Number 297, a Sunbeam MF2B, was delivered to Bournemouth in 1962, being one of the last batch of such vehicles built for use in the UK. It has recently undergone a £15,000 restoration and electrical overhaul at the museum to look as good as new, sponsored by Bournemouth and Poole bus operator Shamrock Buses.

Keith writes: "No 297 was withdrawn from service in 1969 after just six of an anticipated 20-plus years on the road following Bournemouth's surprise (and now regretted?) 1963 decision to phase out the all electric trolleys and replace them with diesel buses.

"The 297 has been preserved and cared for by the BPTA since acquisition from the council in 1971.

"The Bournemouth trolleybus system at its peak comprised 120 vehicles, finally closing in April 1969.

"About 15 years ago Bournemouth council was in favour of the idea of a heritage trolleybus route in and around the town centre, using some of the rolling stock now at the Yorkshire museum, to provide an on-road tourist attraction serving the centre of town not dependent on fine sunny weather.

Keith writes: "Regrettably after a very promising start this plan came to nothing.

"Seven of the vehicles still survive dating from the 30s, 50s and 60s. Bournemouth's official "last trolleybus", 1962 Sunbeam No301 is displayed at the British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland, Lancashire.

"A 1950 British United Traction example number 212 also belonging to the BPTA is next in line for a £20,000 restoration to as-new condition. She will be leaving local storage shortly for works to commence."

Keith adds: "Trolleybus Number 99, also known as 212 in her last years, was delivered to Bournemouth in 1934 as part of a batch of 100 similar Sunbeam MS2s that replaced the trams.

"Restored at the museum several years ago into original 1930s condition, 99 gave a creditable 29 years service to the town before retiring in 1963 to jointhe British Trolleybus Society's Collection.

"The trolleybus returned briefly to Bournemouth in 1969 to take part in the ceremonial last day when nearly 20 ran in procession from Bournemouth Pier to the Mallard Road Depot.

"Several of 99's sister vehicles were sent across the UK during the Second World War to assist in the war effort.

"Those like 99 that stayed at home had all reference to Bournemouth Corporation removed from their liveries, but those that went as far afield as Newcastle, Wolverhampton and London retained the words.

"Apparently this was to confuse the enemy in the event of a landing!"