A HISTORIC brand that was associated for decades with travel in York is about to hit the streets once more.

The York Pullman Bus Company, which for years was synonymous with travel in the city, is to be re-launched next week.

Rufforth-based firm K&J Logistics Ltd has registered the company name and now plans to offer guided city tours, private hires and day excursions.

The bus company has a fleet of ten vehicles in the company's traditional livery, including several open-top buses.

Plans have also been announced to reopen the original York Pullman Bus Company ticket office, in Bootham Tower, Exhibition Square, which will be manned seven-days-a-week to sell tickets and offer advice on trips.

Tom James, managing director of K&J, said: "We are very excited about this new venture and looking forward to contributing to the tourism industry in the region. The York Pullman Bus Co is a name which is historically linked to the city and renowned throughout the industry for its excellence.

"We aim to not only live up to its existing reputation, but to surpass the expectations of visitors to our historic city."

The Pullman moniker originated in the early 1920s when garage owner Norman Pearce started a service between York and Stamford Bridge.

The company grew from its base in Piccadilly before moving to Bootham Tower in 1951.

In the mid-1970s the firm carried about a million passengers every year.

But by 1990 the company was in decline and its name and fleet were sold, which saw the death of the Pullman name in July of that year.

With the resurrection of the famous title, K&J will hold a special tour route on Monday to raise cash for Caroline's Rainbow Foundation.

The fundraising event will be held to mark the fifth anniversary of Caroline Stuttle's murder while backpacking in Australia.

Free tours will depart from York railway station at 10am, noon and 2pm and passengers will be invited to make a donation to the charity, which promotes safe travelling by young people.