This view, taken on 14th June 2001 at Quorn, shows the apparatus side of the coach in the livery it was withdrawn from traffic.

Just over one year later and a repaint makes a big difference.

E80301 appeared for the first time in its 1959 livery at the Great Central's "Steam Railway Gala" of 27th & 28th July 2002. The coach is seen passing Quorn on the 28th July as part of the 11:31 ex Loughborough.

Note: The pouches for the 11:50 TPO ex Loughborough are already to be swung into position.

The following information has been provided by Darren Martin, Chairman of Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd :-

It is pleasing to report that RVP have won a "Leicester Heritage Award" for a vehicle restoration. Mark 1 Post Office Sorter No.80301 was awarded first place in the "Best Restoration Project" category for its return to serviceable condition (initially three years ago) and its recent repaint into its original (1959) livery.

The repaint has seen 27 volunteers give over 400 hours of effort (most of which was during a work-week early in June) to repair the body work and repaint it. The considerable assistance of John Robinson and the GCRs C+W staff is also acknowledged; their help ensured that the paintwork is to a very high standard indeed. The scale of the work involved and the skills needed to complete the job particularly impressed the judges. The fact that TPOs are to end on the Railtrack network also gives greater prominence to our ability to keep this method of working alive on the GCR. The work on this vehicle is also recognised as a good example of co-operation between the GCR and RVP, and it is hoped that now 80301 is in an appropriate period livery it will see greater use. The apparatus equipment will be re-fitted at a later date.

This heritage award is the third time RVP have won it. In the past the LNER TPO set and pigeon van have received awards. Our continued success is not only a tribute to the work of our volunteers, but also reflects very well on the GCR as a whole.