A BUS company is speeding ahead of the opposition to honour royalty by claiming to have launched Britain's first Golden Jubilee double-decker.

Blackburn Transport raised £2,500 in sponsorship back in June to pay for one of their buses to be sprayed gold and have the Queen's crest painted on it.

The special bus will be used mainly on the No 46 service between Blackburn and Accrington because on that route there are few trees to damage the paintwork.

A number of other bus companies are expected to alter their vehicles to celebrate the Queen's 50 years on the throne, but most will come into operation from March.

The golden No 46 went into service this week and will brighten up the streets until December, when its old design will be restored.

Michael Morton, managing director of Blackburn Transport Buses, said: "We felt that we could not let such an auspicious occasion pass us by and set about planning our contribution in June last year in conjunction with Adbus, our advertising contractor.

"Adbus were very keen to get on board with the project and it is to their credit that a sponsor has been found for the advertising on the vehicle.

"We are very pleased that Blackburn Transport appears to be leading the way and we intend to remain at the forefront of public transport for the foreseeable future."

A spokesperson for Golden Jubilee, the body which is co-ordinating the celebrations, said that 50 golden buses would line London routes from April to November.

But he said: "I don't know of any other companies doing this yet, but there may be many businesses organising events without notifying us.

"But we do expect people to come up with all type of different events to celebrate the jubilee."

Between May and July every city, town and village in Britain is expected to celebrate the anniversary with street parties, special fundraising events and activities in tribute to the Queen. Jubilee weekend begins on Saturday June 1, with the Monday and Tuesday already declared bank holidays.

The Queen visits Lancashire from July 24 to 26, which coincides with the opening of the Commonwealth games in Manchester.