A new bus service has launched today which promises to provide a fast link between towns.

The Kings Hill Connect Services X1 and X2 will operate between Kings Hill, West Malling Station, and Maidstone town centre, using the M20 to speed up journeys.

The buses will be run by Arriva using vehicles owned by the county council. The vehicles will have USB charging points, aisle lighting, and on-board announcements signalling the next stop.

They have been paid for by Liberty Property Trust, the developer behind the high-end Kings Hill estate.

The introduction of X1 and X2 will reduce the 123 service run by Nu-Venture, but peak-time commercial journeys connecting Kings Hill and West Malling Station will still run.

Matthew Balfour, Kent County Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "This will be a great service not only for commuters looking to get to West Malling, but for those wanting a more direct bus service to Maidstone."