A pioneering design, the Routemaster outlasted several of its replacement types in London, survived the privatisation of the former London Transport bus operators and was also used by other operators around the UK.

In modern UK public transport bus operation, the old-fashioned features of the standard Routemaster were generally loved by all who used them, the open platform, while exposed to the elements, allowed boarding and alighting away from stops and the presence of a conductor allowed minimal boarding time and optimal security.

The Routemaster became one of London's most famous symbols.

Used by London Transport for over 25 years, its final journey was to the Acton Depot in West London whereupon it was sold to the Lewisham Poverty Action Group.

It then went to their depot where it was refitted.

The seats (mostly) were removed and its transformation into a pre-school play bus began.

The Lewisham Playbus, as it was then known, represented an essential outreach service for child...