Shoppers will be able to use a new bus to get to Bluewater this summer.

Arriva has launched a direct route from Maidstone to the shopping centre in Greenhithe.

The 701 will run every 30 minutes from Monday to Sunday.

The 45-minute journey will start and end at Bluewater Bus Station and King Street, Maidstone.

It will stop at Ringlestone Footbridge and Maidstone East Railway Station along the way.

Arriva South area director, Chris Burley said: "We are thrilled to introduce Route 701 this summer.

"This service is designed to provide our customers with a seamless and enjoyable travel experience between Maidstone and Bluewater.”

The new route is now live and runs until August 31.

A single fare is £2.

The initiative follows other buses being introduced to better link towns to the shopping centre.

Last week Arriva launched the 477 to connect Swanley to Bluewater and Darent Valley Hospital.

That “use it or lose it” trial route will be in place for six months.