Despite the collapse in UK coach travel and challenges facing the industry, Gloucester-based travel operator Bennetts Coaches has placed an order for a pair of new coaches.

They will join a fleet of 32 ultra-low emission coaches and increase the number of PSVAR-compliant vehicles at the firm to 18.

Established in 1962 by Arthur Bennett, Bennett's Coaches said that they plan to invest a further £2.5m over the next two years to ensure continuous improvement in its fleet.

Bennett's said it prides itself in offering its services for use on private hire, day excursions and school bus services.

The new Tourismo M3s ordered by Bennetts Coaches will be supplied by Mercedes-Benz Coach Sales at EvoBus (UK) and are due for delivery in March 2021.

Managing director Gavin Bennett said: "We have an interest in and a duty to helping protect the environment for future generations. This is why the Company has invested more than £4.8m over the past four years in upgrading and replacing its fleet with vehicles that are Euro 6 with ultra-low emissions."

The new vehicles will be for use on school routes and will also be available for private hire.