Maidstone’s iconic blue double-decker bus which was put on eBay to make room for its successor has failed to sell at the first attempt.

Urban Blue, the mobile medical unit that has provided shelter for weary revellers on busy nights in Maidstone town centre since May 2009, couldn't be shifted on the online auction site with no one bidding on the vehicle despite considerable interest.

With under ten minutes left in the auction and 36 watchers it looked certain that someone would bag the bus, which had a price tag of £12,500 and a reserve of £8,500.

Urban Blue manager Rob Garner, who listed the bus on the website said: "We've had interest from a company looking to use Urban Blue as a medical centre in Canterbury.

"Two police officers are also looking to buy it and convert it into a mobile home as all the plumbing and electrics are already in place.

"I've got no concerns that we'l sell it, it'll probably be back up on eBay soon."

The bus is to be sold to make way for a larger single-decker model which has previously been used as plane to ambulance transport at Heathrow.

The new bus, which will be called Urban Blue Too and will not share the distinctive colour scheme, will be bought for £34,000 after funding was pledged by the police and crime commissioner’s office.

Chairman of Maidstone Town Centre Management Paul Alcock said: “The new bus will give us more space inside to treat people and will make it easier to get patients on and off.

“It will also be much more mobile, allowing us to get around the county quicker and provide help to the emergency services if needed.”

Once the funding is received the bus will be put on order and will be delivered within two weeks.

The new bus will provide more space to treat people and will also feature a stretcher lift.