BUSES are again running from an abandoned Redditch terminus thanks to a 20-year business friendship which started over a few curries.

Commercial property consultant John Truslove has struck a £250,000-plus deal to let the former Midland Red bus depot in Church Road, on behalf of local property investor Mohammad Farooqui.

The new lease means the bus company, Probus, will be basing part of its fleet at the 17,706 square-feet building for the next five years at an annual cost of £52,500.

The two long-standing business acquaintances first met when Mr Truslove was a student and regularly bought curries from the take-away then owned by Mr Farooqui.

"John is a big fish now but he was very young when I first met him and he was always dropping in for a curry," said Mr Farooqui.

"We have remained in contact over the years and he was the obvious choice when I needed someone to help me let this building."

Mr Farooqui bought the depot in January. He will assess its future development when Probus' present lease expires.

John Truslove said: "This depot is a significant resource for the whole area and having it back in use will have a positive effect on the town's economy."