344 must be an early repaint into the later livery applied to the PD2s and PD3s as it is the only one not to still retain its green central band seen on all the surrounding buses.
From the destination display it previously worked the last journey of the night on the 25A which continued to Manchester Square instead of Market Street. This service looks to have been a replacement for the original Blackpool and Fleetwood tram service to North Station and followed the tram route largely, although it deviated a little inland north of Bispham to better serve residential areas. The timetable was unusual in that service finished earlier on Saturdays and Sundays during the illuminations period. It was withdrawn in late 1979 which was the time I started work at Blackpool Transport, which explains why I don't remember it.
344 was sold in 1975 and moved to Creamline (Tonmawr) for further service, running until 1978.
From an original slide in the David Beilby collection, photographer unknown.
