Miniature trolleybus designed by vintage bus lovers from Southbourne

Two years ago the couple, who live in Twynham Road, unveiled their mini Yellow Bus, made by Keith using a reconditioned motor scooter.

A busy scene near Bournemouth Pier on July 30, 1963. Picture from Hugh Taylor

Now, in honour of the 50th anniversary of the last trolleybus to travel in Bournemouth, they've made their own tribute to the much-loved transport.

• PICTURES: All aboard! Retired bus driver turns mobility scooter into mini Yellow Bus

"Trolleybuses superceded the trams which used to operate and they ran without rails on electric power which would make them very eco-friendly these days as there was no pollution from them," said Keith, who is retired but used to drive buses.

"Both Carol and I travelled on the last trolleybus to run in Bournemouth 50 years ago this month and we thought we'd make this one to remember that and promote the Bournemouth Vintage Bus Rally in June."

He bought the mobile scooter second hand, last autumn, stretched it and then set about collecting material for the structure.

"I'm always looking around at building sites and skips to find left-over materials and I found bits of aluminium off a mini bus that was being scrapped, bits of plastic wall-cladding, and we have managed to get two seats," he said.

Two can travel in the trolleybus but, he said: "One of us usually goes ahead to make sure the way is clear."

As well as taking it to events - they visited the Pavilion recently - they are hoping to use it to promote and raise funds for the Vintage Bus Rally, to help pay for the transportation of a former town trolleybus from a museum in the north to appear.

"When we're not doing that we go out in it and pick up litter," he said.