NEW owners of a Kidderminster coach firm have splashed out £250,000 on a luxury new vehicle just six months after saving the company from closure.

Whittles Coaches have invested in the 49-seat Plaxton Panther to add to its current fleet of nine coaches.

Bosses say the new coach offers extra legroom and features a range of mod-cons such as tea and coffee making facilities, a DVD player, toilet and air conditioning.

It also boasts a highly fuel-efficient Euro 6 engine which ensures environmentally-friendly low emissions.

Whittles Coaches were acquired by Henley-in-Arden based Johnsons Coach & Bus Travel in January 2015 from Yorkshire based EYMS group.

The Shuttle revealed in November last year that Whittle was being put up for sale by EYMS due to years of operating losses.

Scores of bus services were thrown into doubt as scores of drivers left the ailing company, prompting Worcestershire and Shropshire County Councils to step in and either take on the routes or help find new providers.

Johnsons’ purchase of the coaching operation meant the jobs of 16 employees who worked in coach division of Whittles were saved.

Since then, the company said it has focused on developing and enhancing Whittles’ reputation for coach travel.

Peter Johnson, a director at Johnsons and Whittles Coaches said: “This new coach investment shows the commitment by the new owners to Whittles and to the future growth of the company.

“As the new owners of Whittles, we are really pleased to add this new and exciting vehicle to our Whittles fleet, which will support our growing list of Whittles customers and our hardworking and professional staff.”