A fully electric bus route in Kent has been put on hold.

Plans for the diesel-free service, to run between Dartford and Gravesham, were due to be in operation this month but this has now been delayed until the end of June.

Kent County Council (KCC) aims to replace the current fleet on the Fastrack network with 28 electric vehicles built in Spain.

Now KCC says the new buses are in the UK but that the roll-out was subject to "ongoing charging infrastructure works".

Fastrack has two schemes in Kent - one in Dartford and Gravesend, part of the Thames Gateway regeneration, and the other in Dover.

KCC said it hoped the emission-free services would provide reliable and sustainable options for bus users.

Last August, KCC said when fully electric, the fleet was set to save 1,300 tonnes of carbon each year.

The KCC cabinet member for highways and transport Cllr Neil Baker (Con) said at the time: "This marks a significant milestone and an exciting time for users."

The north Kent service is operated by Go Ahead London while Dover’s is run by Stagecoach.

Plans had been announced for electric vehicle charging infrastructure to be installed at Gravesend bus station and Dartford's Acacia Hall to support the roll-out of new vehicles.

A KCC statement said: "We expect to start introducing the Thameside Fastrack electric fleet from the end of April and then it will be fully electric by the end of June.

"This is subject to the ongoing charging infrastructure works. The full fleet is here in the UK and driver training has started."

Isobel Hedley Jones, Fastrack project manager, said last year: "Go-Ahead is delighted to be delivering this pioneering zero-emission fleet in partnership with KCC and the manufacturer, Irizar.

"This collaboration will result in the first zero-emission buses ever to operate in Kent.

"The tram-like bus fleet is part of Go-Ahead’s wider plan to improve the Fastrack network for the communities we will serve and signal commitment to high-quality, reliable, and punctual services."