One of the final vehicles delivered to United Automobile services prior to the Arriva branding, was Optare MetroRider MR15 no. R701MHN, the first of a batch of longer examples. It is seen here on Tubwell Row, Darlington, as fleet no. 2701 on service 23 Skerne Park-Whinbush, in June 1998.
The date is confirmed by the display of the winning numbers of the UK National Lottery to the bottom right in the window of Arkley News - 1, 15, 23, 31 and 42 are visible along with bonus number 5 - this combination, including 48 was drawn on Saturday 6th June 1998.
Behind is a Lunn Poly holiday shop - this chain disappeared in 2004.
![Optare MetroRider no. R701MHN @ Darlington, UK, June 1998 [slide 9807]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55420385831_3bd4a2c814_m.jpg)


















