A multi-million-pound boost means Norwich is to get 55 more electric buses - making it one of the first cities in the country with a depot running an all-electric fleet.

An £11.5m investment will see First Buses getting new double-decker electric buses, in addition to the 15 single-deckers which had previously secured funding.

Bus bosses said it would help reduce pollution and cut carbon emissions, while council leaders said it was an important move towards a net-zero transport system.

The money, from the government's Zero Emission Buses Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme, means the First Bus Norwich depot at Roundtree Way will be one of the first outside London to go fully electric from March next year.

READ MORE: Go-ahead for electric buses in Norwich after multi-million-pound boost

Piers Marlow, managing director at First East of England, said: "This additional funding will allow us to electrify our five most frequent cross-city routes, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all our bus journeys operating through Castle Meadow.

"This significant joint investment will provide a benefit for our passengers, while contributing toward improving the air quality in the city.

"It will also see one of our two Norwich depots fully converted to operate an entirely zero-emission fleet, with the installation of associated charging infrastructure and removal of all diesel equipment."

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The application for the cash was made by First and Norfolk County Council.

Eastern Daily Press: Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport. Pic: Jamie HoneywoodGraham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport. Pic: Jamie Honeywood (Image: Jamie Honeywood Archant Norwich Norfolk)

Graham Plant, the Conservative-controlled council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "Being awarded this funding is an extraordinary boost for Norfolk and will greatly support our ambitions to run a net-zero transport system.

"This amount of funding means that Norwich will have one of the biggest full electric bus depots in England – something I am extremely proud of."

Eastern Daily Press: Roads minister Richard Holden. Pic: Press AssociationRoads minister Richard Holden. Pic: Press Association (Image: Press Association)

Roads minister Richard Holden said the British-built buses would help reduce pollution.