A RARE post office van will be going on display at a Bromsgrove museum.

The van will be on display at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Building, in Redditch Road, Stoke Heath, on Sunday, May 3.

It has been restored by a group of Level 2 Motor Vehicle students from South Worcestershire College, and will feature as part of the museum's Morris Minor Day.

The students repaired the engine and the gearbox, and restored it to perfect running order.

The van was one of the very first batch of 1,600 vehicles ordered by the post office in 1953, and was a common sight until the 1970s as GPO engineers used them as works vehicles.

A few of the vans have survived the intervening years, and it is thought only 10 vehicles, with their distinctive black rubber wings, are still in existence today.

Jeremy Sargent, deputy head of South Worcestershire College’s technology academy, said: “This project has allowed learners to gain valuable experience in sourcing old parts, appraising a vehicle and giving estimates and recommendations for restoration costs.

"They have completed 95 per cent of the work themselves and have taken great pride in getting the van back on the road.”

Hamish Wood, from Avoncroft Museum, said: “We are delighted to have worked with South Worcestershire College. "They have done a fantastic job in restoring the van and I hope they’ve found it interesting to work on such an unusual project.”

The newly restored vehicle will be making its debut at the Malvern Hills Morris Minors Owners’ Club branch rally at Avoncroft Museum from 10.30am on Sunday, May 3.

More than 40 classic cars will be attending the annual rally, which will include an exhibition of the vehicles with prizes awarded for those in the best condition.

Anyone who has a Morris Minor and would like to bring it along and attend the event, call Mary Swift, from Malvern Hills Morris Minor Owners’ Club.

For more details email meswift1@hotmail.com.