WILTS and Dorset Bus Company has lost Warminster's popular number 24 service to a rival bus and coach provider.

The contract for the service, which replaced the X4 and X5 service, was won by Bodmans after a tender was put out two months ago.

Concerns that Bodmans' buses were too old fashioned have been put to rest after Bodmans assured new buses would be provided.

A spokesman for Wiltshire County Council, who put out the tender, said: "It's all going to be low-floored with modern vehicles. The company is currently in discussion to purchase them."

The contract is due to start from June 1 and will cover services between Salisbury and Warminster.