A new bus service will be operating directly between Kent and Wales.

The route from Canterbury to Swansea launched last week and will also call at Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

It will operate up to twice-a-day from Thursday to Monday - which means people will be able to use it for weekend getaways.

The seven-hour service runs between the two cities connecting Canterbury and the University of Kent with both Gatwick, Heathrow before heading west to Bristol and into south Wales calling firstly at Cardiff and finally in Swansea.

Tickets are available for travel now - which is about £60 for a return trip - and the current booking window is open up to October 29.

For comparison, it takes seven hours on the new bus service and about five on a train.

Trainline is offering tickets for about £110 for a trip leaving Canterbury this Thursday and returning on Monday - whereas it is about £60 to travel on the bus.

Megabus managing director Mark Venables said: "We’re really pleased to be able to introduce Canterbury onto our new and expanding network.

"This new service creates a direct service from Canterbury to both Gatwick and Heathrow Airports, as well as Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea - with many other connecting journey options available.

"We’re aware how important affordability is in this current climate and it’s great to be able to offer our quality services to the people of Kent and beyond."