HKL 826 was one a batch of Beadle-bodied AEC Regal buses delivered to Maidstone & District in 1946/47. Converted to open top configuration in 1957 it saw use on the Hastings 'Round the Town' tours.

Subsequently passing to the Hastings & District operation when that became a separate company in 1983,it can be seen here on Maze Hill, St. Leonards in 1986 (note it retained the M&D fleetnames)

It subsequently operating for Guide Friday and eventually became part of the collection amassed by the late Chris Moyes, Chief Executive of the Go Ahead Group. It has been in the care of the North East Bus Preservation Trust since 2007.