A PETROL tanker half a century old became a show-stopper at a motor show.

The vehicle originally from Huddersfield-based Hansons Transport formed part of a classic car demonstration.

Motor enthusiasts queued up to see the 54-year-old petrol tanker at the Commercial Motor Show in Birmingham.

The show’s heritage manager Alan Earnshaw, from Meltham, was given the task of finding 20 classic vehicles for the display.

Mr Earnshaw remained loyal to his roots and selected a vehicle that has long been a familiar site on the town’s roads.

Mr Earnshaw said: “The Hansons petrol tanker is quite a unique vehicle and one which has many memories for me.

“I remember the tankers rolling into the garage forecourt and I would climb up on to the top of them to get access.

“I also remember once falling off.

“They really were such superb vehicles and it was a delight to see one so beautifully restored.”

The 1954 AEC Mammoth Major eight-wheel petrol tanker was the first of the JET petrol brands used by the company 54 years ago.

An Oxfordshire family discovered the disused and broken tanker in a field and set about restoring it.

The resorted classic went on display at the motor show earlier this week.

Mr Earnshaw added: “The number of people going to see the vehicle was amazing.

“The Hansons fleet was so massive, they were always a familiar site on the roads.

“Even now they have a presence, even if people don’t see them as often as they once did.”

The car-enthusiast is currently working on a book for the Woodland Road transport company, documenting its history.