New double-deckers will be introduced on Brighton and Hove bus routes at a cost of more than £3.3 million.

They have been ordered by the Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company for the busy Metro line 5 running through Hangleton and central Hove to Patcham and Hollingbury.

The 24 buses, costing more than £140,000 each, "kneel down" at bus stops to make boarding easy. They also have ramps for wheelchair-users.

The buses have a modified exhaust system to make them more environmentally friendly.

Their arrival will mean that about half the Brighton and Hove bus fleet will be accessible with a wheelchair.

The new buses already run to Southwick, Mile Oak, Portslade, Coldean, Hollingdean, Moulsecoomb, Bevendean, Whitehawk and Woodingdean.

Roger French, managing director of the company, said: "This latest investment will enable us to convert completely a popular route to double-decker buses, providing more seats."