Southend’s attempts to rebuild two elderly Leopards with new engines and Berkhof bodies was not entirely successful and they had short lives with Southend. Here 254, Q856MEV (built on the chassis of ex Midland Red CHA425K), works local service 4A – showing the wrong destination (it is in fact heading for Southend) at North Shoebury on November 22, 1987.

Photo taken by Richard Delahoy, Sunday 22 November 1987, North Shoebury