An open top bus tour of Norwich was recently made even more accessible thanks to the introduction of a newly converted wheelchair accessible bus.

Eastern Daily Press: Beryl and David McMaster Picture: Richard Jarmy PhotographyBeryl and David McMaster Picture: Richard Jarmy Photography (Image: Richard Jarmy Photography)

The new bus, which is fully DDA compliant, is a converted 2001 ex-London Bus.

The centre doors have a ramp for wheelchairs and there's a special bay with hand-rails and a separate stop button.

Local City Sightseeing operators David and Beryl McMaster said they were looking forward to a successful summer season with the addition of the new vehicle.

The company said it had already enjoyed a bumper June with a 20pc increase in business year-on-year following the launch in March of their newly converted wheelchair accessible bus.

Eastern Daily Press: Guests on the open top bus tour approach Norwich Castle. Picture: Richard Jarmy PhotographyGuests on the open top bus tour approach Norwich Castle. Picture: Richard Jarmy Photography (Image: Richard Jarmy Photography)

It seats 41 upstairs with 10 under cover and 20 downstairs in addition to the wheelchair space.

More than 70 tourism professionals from many local organisations attended the launch event and enjoyed a cuppa and a chat at the Norwich Theatre Royal before taking one of three 45-minute audio-tours of the city.

The launch and trips formed part of English Tourism Week.

Mr McMaster said: 'English Tourism Week was all about showcasing the best of what Norwich and the wider county of Norfolk has to offer and many of our VIP passengers found they'd learned something new about the Fine City of Norwich that they thought they knew so well.

'It is very rewarding now to be seeing the results of all that hard work put in by so many organisations and individuals.'

Mr McMaster started running tours of Norfolk 30 years ago in a mini bus.

'In 2003 we started with the open top bus tours of Norwich and have been doing it ever since,' he said.

'I do tours all around the UK for tour agencies and we have more history here than all the other (destinations).'

He said the Norwich Cathedral was one of the city's biggest attractions.

'The castle is also popular but it's the total history of the area that is a drawcard.'

The company runs six open top bus tours daily from April to September from 10.30am starting and ending at the Norwich Theatre Royal.

'I really do think this is one of the best tours in the UK as you get to see so much,' said Mr McMaster.