KEIGHLEY Bus Museum Trust is on the road to a £1.7 million transformation of its premises.

And the charity is appealing for more people to get on board.

"We were recently awarded the first phase of a lottery grant to improve the museum premises and secure the long-term future of the collection of vehicles and artefacts," said trust chairman, Iain Bonner.

"The trust is entirely volunteer-run and we welcome anyone who'd like to assist our cause."

The initial lottery approval means the charity can now draw-up full proposals for the redevelopment of its Riverside depot in Dalton Lane, Keighley.

Desperately-needed improvement work would be carried out to the 70,000 sq ft building.

And new facilities would be provided, including a shop, cafe and disabled-accessible toilets.

There is a collection of 102 vehicles – mainly buses and trolleybuses – at the site, but the trust would seek to expand that.

If successful, the scheme – which aims to create an educational facility as well as a major tourist attraction – could become reality within about two years.

The 250-member trust will need to raise £170,000 to part-fund the project.

Last month, the museum hosted its first event of the year.

An open day was staged, celebrating 60 years since the introduction of the Leyland Atlantean double-deck.

The museum's collection of vehicles was joined by over 15 visiting buses from across the country.

A free bus service operated around the town centre.

"The event was very well attended – we were pleased with how it went," said Mr Bonner.

The trust's next event is at Robert's Park, Saltaire, on July 3, when visitors will again be able to enjoy free travel on some of the historic vehicles.

Visit kbmt.org.uk for more details about the trust and how to get involved.