BUS passengers in south Essex will be able to hop on to a refurbished double decker to celebrate a company’s centenary.

Bosses at First Bus have bought a Dennis Trident bus, formerly used on services around London, to mark the 100th birthday of the Westcliff-on-Sea Motor Services.

Up until the 1960s, the company ran buses coloured in cream and red around Southend and other neighbouring towns before being taken over by Eastern National.

The vehicle, which was painted in the same colours as the original, was unveiled at the depot before being taken for a spin around the town.

It is now in use for travellers.