We have two examples of the batch of 23 Bristol VRTs delivered to Ribble in 1972, a type never a particular favourite of Ribble, No. 1995/1997 (reg. OCK 995K/997K) were delivered in cherry red livery in April 1972. The type were allocated to Ribble’s most northerly outpost in Carlisle and were fitted with fareboxes for use on the city’s urban services. 

Later adopting the typical National Bus Company ‘poppy red’ livery, 1995 and 1997 remained at Carlisle until 1979 when the type was replaced by ECW bodied Leyland Atlanteans and some later highbridge Bristol VRTs.

The batch returned to the south of Ribble's territory and operated from garages such as Blackburn, Blackpool and Preston. Upon withdrawal some buses even saw further service with fellow NBC subsidiaries such as Crosville and Eastern Counties.

1995 passed to Eastern Counties and was converted to open top for use at Great Yarmouth as fleet number OT5. It was withdrawn by them in 1999 but passed to Guide Friday for use on the Norwich city tour and given fleet number 321. After final withdrawal from passenger service the bus passed to Tennents Caledonian Brewery in Glasgow during 2000 used for promotional purposes. 

Last operated in 2003, the bus has been stored at the Glasgow brewery under cover. Tennents were keen to see the bus go to a good home and in August 2006 donated 1995 to the LTT. 1995 returned south to Blackpool on 28 November 2006. 

During the first half of 2007, 1995 was prepared for a return to operational use in the Classic Bus operating fleet. This has involved a complete repaint in a reversed version of its original cherry red and cream livery - an interesting throwback to BET and Tilling group practice for open top buses in pre-NBC days. The interior has also been refurbished with original style Ribble moquette downstairs and maroon pvc seating upstairs. 

Following a successful MoT pass, 1995 returned to service on 'Sea Front 12' on Sunday 1st July.