THREE double decker buses made their last journeys around Swindon for one final good cause.

Thamesdown Transport's Fleetline buses made special trips from Haydon Wick to Eldene before being taken out of service last Saturday.

The final sum collected from generous passenger donations and sales of travel card leather wallets, totalled £1,200.

And now it has been handed over to the Prospect Hospice.

"It was a great success - there were full loads on many trips," said Paul Jenkins, the managing director of Thamesdown Transport. "There was a constant mix of local old and young people, as well as bus enthusiasts from as far away as Manchester.

"I must thank the drivers for giving up their time for nothing.

"It really was a team effort, from the planners to the engineers.

"The buses did well and didn't miss a beat despite being 30 years old.

"A big thank you to everyone that was involved in the day."

Passengers were not charged a fare on the buses but a special souvenir ticket was issued.

They could then donate as much money as they wanted to and they brought in £700.

In addition 800 leather wallets were sold to the public, which generated £400.

The bus company then added an extra £100 to the total.

"Thamesdown Transport is a long-standing supporter of the Prospect Hospice," said Jane Kendall, Prospect's community fundraiser.

"So we were thrilled to learn that the company had chosen to raise funds for us through the last rides on the Fleetline buses, and with the travel card wallets.

"The drivers gave up their own time to take the Fleetline buses out and it's lovely that Prospect Hospice was being remembered on what was an historic - if a little sad - day for public transport in Swindon.

"I've spent most of my life in Swindon, and these buses feel like part of my childhood.

"But I think that it's really lovely that some good can come from their retirement."

The buses have been used on school contracts for the last eight years.

As they are more than 15 years old they are now not fit for the purpose.

One of the buses will be kept by the company as part of its heritage collection.

The 1978 Leyland Fleetline will be salvaged as part of the small historic fleet.

The other two buses will be open to offers.