THE new multi-million pound fleet of Redditch buses was launched with a fanfare on Friday in Redditch town centre.

The 19 new buses were bought after a £2.5 million investment by travel company First, Worcestershire County Council, and an "Urban Bus Challenge" grant from Government.

Councillors and other town dignitaries were invited to Market Place to view the new vehicles, which are disabled-friendly "kneeling" buses.

The buses, which include five double deckers, are more spacious and emit less pollution.