WYRE Forest MP Mark Garnier was on hand to officially launch a new coach for Bewdley's Phillips International Travel.

Mark Garnier launched the latest touring coach for the Bewdley-based firm on Friday, March 3, at the special event.

The new vehicle, a Volvo BR11 Plaxton Elite was manufactured in Scarborough. As well as being British built, the vehicle nods to Queen Elizabeth II's sapphire jubilee as it has been named 'Sapphire Sovereign'.

Julian Phillips, director of the firm, said: "We are delighted that 'Sapphire Sovereign' has now entered service and is our most advanced coach so far in terms of passenger comfort and technology.

"Her first few destinations will include West Cornwall, North and South Wales, Scotland and the Austrian Tyrol."

Mr Garnier added: "It was a real honour to have launched the new Phillips coach.

"They are a local, family-run business that has been doing well for the last 40 years and will, I am sure, continue to do well for at least another 40 years under the new stewardship of the second generation to have run the business.

"I wish them all the very best of luck."

Phillips International Travel have been running since 1980 and are one of the smallest coach operators in the country.

For more information about the firm, visit phillipstravel.co.uk.