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The £5million armoured bus used by Margaret Thatcher on a tour of Northern Ireland during the Troubles lies rusting in a yard waiting to be snapped up for just £25,000.

Built in the 1980s, the 17.5 tonnes bus can do 80mph, has 13,000 miles on the clock and comes with bulletproof windows, sound proofing and room for 35 people.

(Image: Getty Images) (Image: Mercury Press & Media) (Image: Mercury Press & Media)

It also has a sealed environment with an air filtration systems to protect against chemical, biological and nuclear contamination.

Thatcher commissioned the bus after 1984 IRA Brighton bomb attack, which killed five people.

Owner Nick Mead, 56, a collector of armed vehicles, from Helmdon, Northants, has been trying to sell it for the past five years.

(Image: Caters News Agency) (Image: Caters News Agency) (Image: Mercury Press & Media)

He said: “It could be used as a medical vehicle in war zones and help people.

“It is a strong vehicle and should be used for good or at least put in a museum. It’s a shame it’s wasting away.”