A group of bus enthusiasts has mounted a rival bid for six historic buses on sale at the troubled Transperience site.

Members of the West Yorkshire Transport Museum Society say they want the collection of vehicles to set up their own transport museum for the Millennium.

Spokesman Jim Pickles said he was not prepared to reveal what buses the group wants to buy or the amount they are prepared to pay but the application does not include trolleybuses.

But the move is bound to anger members of Keighley Bus Museum who submitted a bid for nine classic vehicles in July.

The museum has been working around the clock to secure a fast track lottery bid for the vehicles. It will know if it is successful by September 10.

It did not want a bidding war with WYTMS as both groups have been supporting the Telegraph & Argus Save Our Classic Buses appeal.

Mr Pickles confirmed the bid to administrators Price Waterhouse Coopers and said any purchase would be funded by members.

Keighley Bus Museum spokes-man Graham Mitchell said he was disappointed by the rival bid but said the museum has the backing of Bradford Council.

Keighley ward councillor Barry Thorne, who is also chairman of the Council's leisure service committee said: "We want the historic buses to remain in the area and we are supporting the Keighley Bus Museum."

The move by WYMTS is part of a committed attempt to revamp itself and the stuffy image normally associated with the former Transperience Discovery Park.

If its plans get the go-ahead WYTMS aims to play a more pro-active role in encouraging schools to get involved.

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