Youngsters can climb aboard an iconic motor at Buster’s Big Bash on Saturday, May 16.

Mabel - an original big red Routemaster bus in service from 1956 to 2004 - will be throwing open her door to visitors at the free family mini festival being staged at Dane John Gardens, Canterbury.

While youngsters explore the classic vehicle supplied by YMS Travel mums and dads can complete a quiz for the chance to win a London theatre prize worth £180. The prize includes two tickets to a show plus executive travel donated by Theatre Trips Kent.

Buster’s Big Bash is an annual event organised by the KM Charity Team to mark the good work of schools and families participating in its green travel and literacy schemes. Activities on the day will include space hopper racing, pedal go-karts, hoopla and an attempt to beat the record for the longest walking bus in Kent.

Organisations supporting the KM Charity Team’s green travel services for schools include Kent County Council, Medway Council, Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Orbit South, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Westwood Cross, Southern Water, Countrystyle, Eurostar, Specsavers, Whitefriars shopping area, Leeds Castle, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Mini Babybel.

James Wilford of Canterbury based YMS Travel, said: “We are coming to join the fun and games in Mabel and look forward to seeing you there. Don’t forget to pick up a quiz sheet and pop the correct answers in the ‘used tickets’ box on board.

“Mabel will also make an appearance at the 20 anniversary Faversham Transport Weekend on Sunday, which features pedal bikes from over 100 years ago, classic cars, vans, trucks, buses and much more.”

He added: “We are also running a shuttle service in our other buses for the Faversham Transport Weekend on both Saturday and Sunday.”

To book free tickets to the family event Buster’s Big Bash visit www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk and click on ‘Event Booking’ or CLICK HERE.

Visit the above website for details on green travel projects Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug and KM literacy scheme Buster’s Book Club.

Fact file

• Mabel is an original Routemaster bus that became the iconic vehicle on the streets of London from 1956 onwards. Mabel stayed in service until 2004 when all Routemasters came out of general service.
• Mabel is a restoration projectin progress whilst it continues to work and is available for special events and weddings. For more details visit www.ymstravel.co.ukor call 01227 456331.
• Theatre Trips Kent runs regular day trips as well as London theatre trips. Visitwww.theatretripskent.co.uk.