It was a day of "emotions and tears" as the final Go North East buses left an iconic bus depot after almost 110 years serving the region.
Drivers, past and present, turned out to wave farewell as the last double-deckers rolled out of the huge depot in Chester-le-Street on Friday.
It marked the last official day of operation, before dozens of services and workers took up their new posts at depots elsewhere.
Read more: Go North East Chester-le-Street depot shuts for good today
Meanwhile, a number of drivers - some who have been there for more than four decades - officially retired from duty, clocking off for their final ever time.
One driver, who will remain at the company, said it was a "teary night," watching the final buses leave for their new home.
They said: "Everyone was emotional seeing the vehicles leave the depot for the last time.
"We are now to be spread out across the North East to other depots and have to choose whether to make it work or look elsewhere."
Workers also posted heartfelt tributes across social media, saying that the "Team Chester" had been the "best work family" and everyone would be missed greatly.
Another worker previously said this week: "It's been an amazing place to work, we have all been like a family and have stayed together for as long as we can.
Read more: Go North East Chester-le-Street strikes are off but depot will close
"Everybody is sad to see it go and it is a massive loss for the town. All I can say is goodbye Chester-le-Street."
The depot, which was first opened back in 1912 and the company's first, employed more than 170 drivers and staff while dozens of routes were based there.
This included the Angel 21 between Newcastle, Durham and Brandon, and the X21 between Newcastle, Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland.
Last night, Gary Edmundson, Commercial Director at Go North East, described a sense of nostalgia as the depot closed down.
Taking to Twitter to pay tribute, he said: Nostalgic night. After over 109 years of service our Chester le Street Depot closes its door for the final time tonight.
"And back behind the wheel myself helping the team move the vehicles to their new home."
Earlier this year, The Northern Echo revealed the closure of the depot following months of rumour and speculation that it would shut.
At the time, the firm blamed the "financial challenges" brought on by the pandemic, changes to the economy and a recent pay claim from the union.
But the firm suffered backlash from its workers, politicians, businesses in the town and residents.
As a result, drivers and Unite the Union clubbed together to campaign to keep it open, threatening strike action unless the firm reverses its decision - or compensates drivers.
Last month, a compensatory package of £2,250 to existing drivers and a severance package for those nearing retirement was approved.
Go North East previously said: "We understand how attached colleagues are to the depot and to each other, however, we are a substantially smaller business now following the pandemic.
"We must therefore downsize the number of depots across the company, and reduce our overheads, to recover from our current loss-making position – this change is a major part of that recovery plan.
"There are no job losses to our driver and engineering workshop colleagues as part of this closure."
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