Coincidence that I just mentioned the 885 the other day. Passed it this morning in Woodstone Village (for those of you not sure where that is, it is just before you hit Fencehouses .)
Today, it was being operated by an ex-National Express Coach. On phone, so can't clarify 100% which one it was, but last three letters of reg plate was KMZ/MKZ (something along those lines anyway).
RE: Go North East