(14 Apr 2015, 6:46 pm)MrFozz wrote Cannot be as untidy as Michael Franks, the coaches used were ancient, with scruffy interior, scruffy(but pleasant) drivers and it smelt like a 50 seater ashtray as you could smoke on them
I remember them. Never used them until 98ish (possibly just before they packed up the Sunderland - Easington Lane route).
Noisy, smelly, dirty - but cracking rides.
If over Ryhope way, I would go via Michael Franks and Easington Lane. Chose them over whatever type Dart was running from Park Lane.
There was always the chance of decent stock to/from the lane end of the route and a Michael Franks contraption in between.