A NEW bus service has been given the royal seal of approval when two special passengers climbed aboard.

Royal lookalikes Kate Middleton and Prince Harry popped into Middlesbrough to officially launch Arriva North East's £4.5m Sapphire bus service for Teesside and east Cleveland.

The new buses, which are all equipped with WiFi, charger power points and improved seating, will be used on 5/5a and X3/X4 routes that connects east Cleveland towns and villages to Middlesbrough.

Nick Knox, area managing director, said: "We're delighted to be bringing the Sapphire brand to the area, we're so excited to be bringing the brand to be announcing this investment.

"The bus service will offer our customers a new and improved experience, we're confident that they will be delighted with the enhancements and we hope to encourage more people to join us on board."