Rambo, the oldest bus in Gozo - and probably also in Malta - is about to bow out.

The AEC bus is, incredibly, built on a 1919 truck chassis.

The bodywork has been rebuilt several times, and does not look its age, especially as it does not have a 'chin' engine associated with the older models.

Owner Jason Farrugia said the bus was in Malta until 1972, serving mostly the Zabbar area. It changed hands several times both in Malta and in Gozo.

With Arriva about to take over the bus service, Mr Farrugia said he has sold Rambo along with another three buses, to somebody in Malta.

He does not know what is planned for them, although he thinks they might be converted for tourist use.

He admitted attachment to the bus, speaking about it in human terms as  'kind hearted'.

The Perkins-engined bus was also very reliable, he added with nostalgia in his voice.