M73 WYG, affectionately known as simply "73", has its roots just down the A1 from Aycliffe. Built in 1995, it is one of only 130 MAN 11.190 Optare Vecta single-deck buses ever produced. Combining the reliable MAN 11.190 chassis with Optare's lightweight Vecta bodywork, these versatile buses proved to be excellent all-round performers, equally at home on busy town services, rural routes and school contracts. Their modern styling, comfortable interiors and agile handling made them a popular choice with operators throughout the country.

M73 WYG spent the first eight years of its working life with Black Prince Buses of Morley, West Yorkshire. It was one of a batch of four Vectas delivered new in 1995, with the Optare factory located only a short distance from the operator's depot. In a unique touch, each of the four vehicles carried its own variation of the distinctive Black Prince livery, giving every bus an individual identity. Black Prince was a strong supporter of the local manufacturer and operated a varied fleet of Optare-built vehicles during this period.

In 2003, after eight years of service, M73 WYG was sold through the well-known dealer Ensign Bus Company before joining family-owned operator Lodge's Coaches of High Easter, Essex. There, the vehicle continued its working career on school contracts and local bus services, providing dependable service until early 2005, when it was purchased for preservation.

Following its retirement from frontline service, the bus underwent restoration back to its original Black Prince appearance, faithfully recreating the striking livery it carried when new. It subsequently became a regular participant at preservation rallies and transport events across the country and was, for a period, displayed at the Keighley Bus Museum.

A new chapter began in December 2024 when M73 WYG was acquired by Gavin Miller, National Operations Manager for the Confederation of Passenger Transport. Gavin's connection with the Vecta dates back to the early days of his career as a driver with Arriva Tees & District, where the former North East Bus group operated the largest fleet of Optare Vectas in the country. More than fifty examples served under the United, Tees & District and TMS brands, becoming a familiar sight across the North East during the 1990s. Sadly, none of those North East-based Vectas are believed to have survived into preservation, making M73 WYG an especially evocative reminder of a once-common vehicle type.

Today, M73 WYG continues to enjoy an active preservation life, with Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society at the heart of its story. The bus regularly attends preservation rallies, museum events and Confederation of Passenger Transport functions across the United Kingdom, ensuring that this increasingly rare type remains visible to enthusiasts and the general public alike.

One of its most distinguished honours came when the vehicle was "Cart Marked" by the Worshipful Company of Carmen during a ceremony at the historic Guildhall in the City of London, recognising its significance within Britain's road transport heritage. Demonstrating that preserved vehicles can still serve their communities, M73 WYG was also temporarily returned to public service on Christmas Day 2025, providing a free bus service to St James's University Hospital for patients, visitors and healthcare staff.

It is believed that just five MAN 11.190 Optare Vectas now survive in preservation:

• M73 WYG – Black Prince (preserved by Gavin Miller)
• M75 WYG – Black Prince (sister vehicle to M73 WYG)
• M702 RVS – Seamarks
• M957 VWY – Reading Buses
• M679 CSU – Hutchinson

Adding another special link to its history, M73 WYG continues to benefit from the care and expertise of David Crowther, a member of the family behind Black Prince, helping to ensure the vehicle remains in excellent condition for future generations.

More than thirty years after leaving the Optare production line, M73 WYG remains a wonderful ambassador for British bus manufacturing and the independent bus industry of the 1990s. Its distinctive appearance, unmistakable character and enduring connection with the North East continue to evoke memories of a golden era of local bus travel, ensuring that the legacy of the Optare Vecta lives on for enthusiasts and visitors alike.