A GIANT robot helped launch a £780,000 fleet of state-of-the-art buses set to ferry passengers in comfort between two market towns.

Arriva North-East called in the eight-foot tall robot, Titan, to help launch its X1 Max buses in Bishop Auckland market place yesterday (Thursday, April 23).

The five new buses will serve passengers in County Durham travelling between Darlington and Tow Law via Shildon, Bishop Auckland and Crook.

They will feature accessories such as free on board wifi and high backed leather-style seating.

Nick Knox, Arriva North-East area managing director, said: “The new buses offer a great package of benefits for passengers.

“We believe they’ll be a huge hit with customers and we’re really looking forward to seeing them out on the road.

“We are constantly working towards improving the journey experience for our customers and we are confident that more people will see the benefits of bus travel and jump aboard.”

Timetables and details can be obtained online at arrivabus.co.uk/north-east