A new exhibition exploring 50 years of publicly owned bus transport in the island has opened at the House of Manannan in Peel.

‘A BUS SERVICE’ has been created by Manx National Heritage in partnership with Bus Vannin and takes visitors on a journey through the history of the island's bus network.

The free exhibition marks half a century since the island's bus services came under public ownership.

It features photographs, historic objects and archive material, showcasing the people and vehicles involved in the development of the network and the stories behind the service.

Visitors can also explore how public transport in the Isle of Man has evolved over the past five decades and adapted to changing needs.

The exhibition highlights the role buses have played in connecting communities and linking people and places across the island.

Nicola Tooms, assistant curator with Manx National Heritage said: ‘Almost everyone in the Isle of Man has a memory connected to the bus service, whether it's travelling to school, heading into town or visiting family and friends.

‘This exhibition looks back at how the island's buses have evolved over the past 50 years and celebrates the vital role they continue to play in keeping communities connected.’

Bus Vannin traces its origins to 1976, when Douglas Corporation’s bus service merged with Isle of Man Road Services to form a nationalised network, laterly branded Bus Vannin.

The network remains closely associated with the island's distinctive public-transport history, alongside the Manx Electric Railway and Steam Railway.

‘A BUS SERVICE’, which opened on Saturday, will run to Thursday, November 22. Admission is free and donations are welcome.