Transport minister Norman Baker has announced the government will provide funding for 55 low-carbon buses.

Around £2.4 million of the Clean Bus Technology Fund is being invested in local authorities and bus companies operating in Oxfordshire, Manchester, York and Sunderland to help in the purchase of hybrid, biomethane gas or electric-powered buses.

Mr Baker said: "Schemes like these are a cost-effective way of landing real benefits for the public and the environment. Cleaner, more efficient bus services are good for the economy and for the environment - it's a win-win."

In total, Manchester and Sunderland will receive the most buses (23 each), followed by York (seven) and Oxfordshire (two).

The fund will also distribute further grants - with a total of more than £1 million - to modify existing buses and reduce emissions. This will be focused around the West Midlands, converting 29 buses, with Sheffield, Swale Borough and Chiltern District each improving 5 buses.