ELECTRIC buses could be on the roads of Preston by the end of this year, if a bid for European Commission funding is successful.

An electric motor combined with a small diesel engine will power the new 'quieter' buses which are expected to be more environmentally-friendly than conventional diesel-powered vehicles.

Preston Bus has teamed up with Lancashire County Council and Preston City Council to bid for £5million of European funding to help make Preston a safer and cleaner area to travel in.

Bus chiefs say the initiative will put Preston on the map as the first city in the country to run the new style buses which will initially run on the Gamull Lane service.

Managing director at Preston Bus, Peter Bell, tested the innovative technology in a mini bus during Preston's pre-Christmas traffic and said he was delighted with the result.

"Preston Bus want to make full use of modern technologies to help improve the environment and the quality of services we provide," said Mr Bell.

Extra pedestrianisation in Preston city centre and hourly loan car clubs are also included in the bid along with plans to build a third park and ride scheme and a new bus station under the Tithebarn project.

County Councillor Jane Yates said: "The wider picture is that we want to see transport in the Preston area move into the 21st century."