THOUSANDS of people had fun in the sun as a bus company launched its new state-of-the-art vehicles.

The Burnley Bus Company put on a family fun-day at Burnley Bus Depot to introduce it 30 new buses, which feature wi-fi, USB ports, a count down clock to departure and wireless charging for phones.

The new fleet, which has cost £4.5million, also have voices announcing stops, featuring the voices of Burnley DJ Dave Metcalfe and East Lancashire schoolgirl Emma Taylor who won a competition.

Mr Metcalfe said: “I have liked buses since I was a child so it is a bit of a dream come true to think people will hear my voice when they get on and leave.

“I think the new vehicles are brilliant and I am glad to see so many people have come to the launch event.”

The launch event also featured vintage buses from across the North of England, a brass band, Burnley FC in the Community, a bus cafe, bouncy castles and memorabilia stalls.

There was also a 'drive the bus challenge' and trips through the car wash.

Burnley brewery Moorhouses also put on a limited edition ale 'Big Burnley Bus Bash' for the event.

All proceeds from the fun day Help for Heroes and organisers hoped to raise up to £3,000.

Alex Hornby, chief executive of The Burnley Bus Company’s parent business Transdev, said: “It has been a really successful launch. People have been really positive about the new buses and we have had a lot of good feedback on social media.

“We are a comercial business but we think of the bus industry like retail. You have always got to revamp the product. We have got to try and give people a reason to leave their car at home and use public transport and I think these new top-of-the-range buses do this.”

Andrew Leyland and Kelly Quinlan, who are both from Burnley and attended the event with their children. Mr Leyland said: “The new buses are brilliant. The children have really enjoyed the fun day. There has been something for everyone.” For information visit www.lancashirebus.co.uk