Bus and coach hire firm Belle Vue Manchester has expanded its fleet with an investment of nearly £400,000.

The Stockport-based operator has added four vehicles to its fleet – two minibuses, a 61-seater coach and a 34-seater midi coach.

The vehicles are being used for corporate, private and educational trips and tours and for contract work, including a shuttle bus service for staff at The Christie in Manchester.

Santander Business Banking provided Belle Vue with a funding package for the coaches and minibuses, which cost £383,000 in total.

Robert Dolan, a relationship director at Santander, said: “We are delighted to provide the funding for these additional vehicles.

“It’s fantastic to see Belle Vue continue to grow, providing short and long journey options, and we are confident client demand will only continue to increase.”

The spending takes Belle Vue’s investment in its fleet to more than £700,000 over the past two years as vehicle numbers have increased to 66.

Belle Vue director Phil Hitchen said: “Increased demand for vehicles which can accommodate larger groups has dictated the need to buy a bigger coach than the traditional 49-seater.

“The minibuses are equipped to a very high standard and perfectly meet the needs of our contract customers and touring groups.

“Our business is developing and expanding all the time. Continual investment is vital to ensure all of our clients are travelling on a modern fleet equipped with wi-fi, USB and electric sockets and more, ensuring an up-to-date passenger experience.”