The Watford Observer has teamed up with Watford Museum and its curator Sarah Priestley to take a journey back to the town’s past through items or places of historical significance.

We've reached the halfway stage of our journey through 'a history of Watford in 50 objects' and number 25 was produced in the town for more than 60 years and will always be one of its finest engineering achievements, the Scammell lorry.

Sarah said: "The history of Scammell’s goes back to the late Victorian era as a Spitalfields-based wheelwright and coachbuilder, but its Watford story begins with the opening of a factory in Watford in 1922 to build lorries.

"This photo shows Mr Pugh the designer of their ‘Pioneer’ driving it up a wall in 1929.

"Other vehicles included their famous ‘Mechanical Horse’ which was eventually replaced by the ‘Scarab’.

Read more: The 250-year-old marker still visible near Bushey Arches

"As well as general use, they specifically built military vehicles and for showpeople.

"Taken over by Leyland in 1955, Scammell’s continued on their site on Tolpits Lane until 1988.

"Sadly this wonderful chapter in Watford’s history has closed, but the lorries have become treasured vintage models and you can still see the history of Scammell’s in road names and a plaque added by the Scammell’s register."

Watford Museum is currently closed under lockdown restrictions but you can still pay it a virtual visit at www.watfordmuseum.org.uk or find the museum on Facebook and Instagram @watfordmuseum