REDDITCH bus passengers can finally enjoy a first-class service following the introduction of a gleaming new fleet of vehicles.

After years of waiting, the new First fleet of 19 buses will be officially launched on Friday, the result of a £2.5 million investment.

The low-floor ''kneeling'' buses, which will replace the entire ageing Redditch fleet, offer easy access for wheelchair users, the elderly and mums with pushchairs.

Some of the vehicles are already in service.

The vehicles are more comfortable and spacious and emit less pollution than older models.

The improvements follow the investment by First, Worcestershire County Council and a £1 million Urban Bus Challenge grant from the Government.

The bid was supported by Redditch Bus Quality Partnership, which includes Redditch Council, the county council and the Primary Care Trust. A previous bid two years ago failed.

Redditch Council's director of community services Barbara Webster said: "We're absolutely delighted with the new fleet.

"When the Bus Quality Partnership consulted people, the need for new buses was at the top of their list.

"There was a lot of competition for the Urban Bus Challenge grants but we were delighted to receive what turned out to be one of the largest grants."

First's Midlands managing director, Ian Humphreys, urged people to try the new buses.

He said: "First is committed to making public transport more attractive both to existing users and to car users who may be fed up with parking charges and the daily hassle of driving into town.

"I would like people to give our new buses a try and see how modern and customer-friendly they are. First will continue to introduce improvements in the future, offering Redditch people the very best service we can."

The Urban Bus Challenge grant will also see the Dial-A-Ride service expand by April, with two new vehicles to add to the four already in operation.

A new ''taxi-bus'' service is also set to hit the roads later this year to improve evening transport links.

First was forced to stop its evening services in Redditch after a spate of attacks on drivers.