13782/1GAZETTE & HERALD: MOTORISTS did a double-take on Saturday after seeing novelist Charles Dickens waiting at a bus stop in Pickwick near Corsham.

Joining the wordsmith was none other than Mr Pickwick himself and a host of other Victorian characters.

They were gathered around the bus stop to celebrate its status as Britain's oldest official coach stop.

The stop, which is situated at the junction of Middlewick Lane, is currently used by National Express travellers on their way to or from London.

But it also lies adjacent to the Hare and Hounds Inn, which was the first and last stop for the coaches running between London and Bath in Dickensian times.

The stop, which has been in almost continuous use for 200 years, has witnessed many changes.

Stage coaches stopped every ten miles to change horses and to allow the passengers a short break, before continuing their arduous journey.

While the passengers fortified themselves inside the inn, the drivers watered the horses behind the pub.

The stable block, which has fallen into dereliction over the years, is currently being restored.

Saturday's event was organised by staff at North Wiltshire District Council's Tourist Information Centre in Corsham.

As an added touch, the 10.20am 403 National Express service to London paused in Corsham and passengers were presented with a certificate confirming their use of Britain's oldest coach stop.