A DOZEN new buses have been ordered for morebus' Purbeck Breezer fleet as part of a £2.3million investment in the popular route, it has been announced.

All going well, the 12 new vehicles - Volvo powered MCV buses - will be delivered at the end of next summer.

Morebus managing director Andrew Wickham said: "This is a sizeable investment in our fleet here. Our routes 40 and 50 Purbeck Breezer services are hugely popular, so it makes perfect sense to make it even more enjoyable to travel with us across this beautiful region."

Last year morebus claimed its Purbeck Breezer routes were the most picturesque in the country.

The service offers two routes following Dorset’s dramatic Jurassic coastline and spectacular countryside between Swanage, Poole and Bournemouth.

The Breezer 40 - from Swanage through Wareham to Poole - travels past the Swanage Railway, Corfe Castle and Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park.

Meanwhile, the Breezer 50 open top route - from Swanage via Studland and Sandbanks to Bournemouth - takes in the coast, including a crossing on the Sandbanks Ferry to exclusive Sandbanks.

Mr Wickham said: "Those who use our services here in Dorset have been very clear about the enhancements they would like to see. And we responded by making this very serious commitment to upgrading the standards of buses we operate here.

"These brand new buses will provide comfort for those using Purbeck Breezer services. They will also deliver exceptional performance and offer environmental benefits, including the latest and best emissions standard."