Bus operator Bluestar has invested £2 million in 10 new double decker buses for its Bluestar 1 Southampton to Winchester service.

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for environment and transport, Cllr Rob Humby, joined Bluestar managing director Andrew Wickham to formally launch the new buses in Winchester this week.

“Bus travel in Hampshire is popular – and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to invest almost £7 million in our fleet here during the past year,” said Andrew Wickham.

“We would not have been able to embark on this commercial venture if it weren’t for the high demand we’ve been experiencing here - so its a tremendous sign that people in the region value our services.

The new buses are powered by low emissions Euro 6 engines and come equipped with free WiFi and USB charging points.