THOUSANDS of visitors made the annual bus trip to the abandoned village of Imber on Salisbury Plain on Saturday (August 20) for the first time in a year.

A fleet of 25 old and new London Routemaster double-deckers ferried more than 2,100 visitors from Warminster to Imber during the open day.

The village was evacuated when it was taken over by the military in 1943 and later became an army training area. It is only available to the public on open days.

Imberbus is the brainchild of Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy and first started in 2009. 

It’s organised by the Bath Bus Company, with classic and modern vehicles and staff from 15 different operators from around the country.

The main attraction in the village is the 14th century St Giles’s Church, plus abandoned houses now used for British Army training exercises.

Sir Peter, 69, said: “We’re delighted to be back on the road to Imber, and we’re looking forward to giving people a unique and pleasurable day out.

“Everyone involved gives their time and vehicles for nothing, so we run probably the most profitable rural bus service in Britain, and one where all the fares go to charity.

"Last year's takings were £13,600 and we believe this year will be at least £16,000.

"We believe we had a great day and we were really busy all day. The Army and the communities of Tilshead, Chitterne and the Lavingtons were very pleased."

The 2019 run attracted around 3,000 people and donated nearly £30,000 to the Friends of St Giles’s Church at Imber, the Royal British Legion Poppy Day Appeal and to other charities who help Imberbus. This year’s event supported the same charities.

Buses picked up passengers outside Warminster station and ran on a regular schedule to Imber where visitors were able to disembark and look around the village and St Giles's Church.

Many decided to continue on across Salisbury Plain on military roads rarely open to the public to visit the New Zealand Farm Camp, Brazen Bottom, as well as Chitterne, Tilshead and the Lavingtons.

No advance booking were needed for the open day and an all-day ticket cost £10 for adults and £1 each for children.

Unlike previous years, access to Imber this year was only possible via the Imberbuses.

Passengers were required to wear face coverings while on the buses, and in St Giles’s Church unless medically exempt.