A historic vehicle will lead this year’s Leyland Festival parade.

British Commercial Vehicle Museum is lending the Popemobile to be at the forefront of the procession through the town.

A one-of-a-kind vehicle, it was custom built for the Pope John Paul II’s visit to the UK in 1982.

The museum said in recent years the Popemobile has not been able to join the parade.

Leyland Festival committee chairman said: “The Popemobile is a historic, unique vehicle.

“It is the pride of Leyland and represents the town’s rich commercial vehicle heritage. We are delighted to have the Popemobile lead parade once again this year.”

Riding aboard the Popemobile will be the Mayor and Mayoress of South Ribble councillor Harry Hancock and his wife Marion.

British Commercial Vehicle Museum manager Keith Moyes said: “We are pleased to be able to support Leyland Festival by providing the Popemobile to lead the festival parade.

“It is one of many treasured exhibits in our family-friendly museum.

“We hope that as well as enjoying the Festival celebrations, visitors will also come to our newly refurbished museum and see what we have to offer.”

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Leyland Festival is held on Saturday 15 June in Worden Park following the procession in the town centre.

Entry is £3 per person and free for under-16s.

Advance tickets can be bought for £2.50 from businesses in Leyland including Paces & Laces, Peppermint Cottage, Poppies Flower Design, Leyland Market, The Market Ale House, Solicitors Direct, The Flying Pig Pizza, Hallmark Cards, La Corte and The Filling Factory.

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