THIS was Messrs Laycock and Stephenson's new motor bus, just having arrived at Cowling in February 1906. It was described at the time as "resembling in appearance a tramcar", and could seat 38 passengers, 20 inside and 18 on top.

Made by "the well known Milnes-Daimler firm of London", it boasted 30 horse-power and, it was hoped, would "help considerably to open out the locality". The chalked slate on the step proudly proclaims "Cowling Motor Bus No 2".

Laycock and Stephenson had started their motor bus service the previous May, running between Cowling and Kildwick railway station and from Cowling to Laneshaw Bridge. The arrival of their first bus had been "quite a red letter day in the history of Cowling", although some residents expressed doubts as to its safety. In the event, however, it was greeted by enthusiastic crowds.

The original idea is said to have occurred to village postman Ezra Laycock as he walked daily between Cowling and Cross Hills, resulting in a partnership with William Stephenson, of Skipton, and reputedly the first motor bus in Yorkshire.

This is another photograph from Kevin Seaton's collection.