It has been off the rails for almost eight years in Cromer - and now bidders have a chance to own and operate the town's distinctive road train.

The bright yellow vehicle is seen snaking through the streets during the tourist season and at special events like the Christmas lights switch-on.

Since it began its trips around the Gem of the Norfolk Coast, it has been run by two local men. But it has now been bought back by its original owner Bob Tonks, director of Tonkatrains of Bromsgrove.

And Mr Tonks, whose firm buys and operates used land trains, is inviting bids of �30-40,000 to buy it or offers to lease it to keep the attraction running. He said he was expecting 'plenty of interest'.

He said: 'From what people have told me, it has become a popular attraction in Cromer. I think the main attraction of the road trains is that they are open-sided.

'After 20 years of running them, I have found that people at the coastal resorts certainly prefer that aspect.'

He added: 'It's a very powerful train because it has to get up the slope from the seafront. It's a Road Runner European with a 2.5-litre fuel injected Ford Transit engine.

'They are serious vehicles. The driver has to have a PCV licence and there has to be a conductor at all times. The speed limit is 10mph.'

Mr Tonks supplied the road train at Hunstanton, plus the ones at Great Yarmouth. He said he first visited Cromer 10 years ago, to 'have a look and to survey the potential route'.

He added that the trains sold for more than �100,000 when they were new.

? Anyone interested can call Mr Tonks on 0121 475 6559.