The first bus route to use Great Yarmouth's Herring Bridge has been announced.

As part of the ongoing Norfolk Bus Improvement Plan, the town will be getting a new line connecting the town with Bradwell as well as extra buses on some of the most frequently used services.

The changes are to services operated by First Eastern Counties and include an extension to the Coastal Reds 2 service and a new 3/3B service which will use the Herring Bridge and operate from from Market Gates through the Barrack Estate to Gorleston, Bradwell, Burgh Castle and James Paget University Hospital.

READ MORE: Great Yarmouth Market Gates bus station changes plannedGreat Yarmouth Mercury: Improvements are being made to the extension to the Coastal Reds 2 and 7 services.Improvements are being made to the extension to the Coastal Reds 2 and 7 services. (Image: James Weeds)

The Coastal Reds 7 service will also see extra afternoon journeys during the week and a new Saturday service and late service departing Norwich at 11.30pm, running along Yarmouth Road and back to Great Yarmouth for 12.15am.

Norfolk County Council's lead in transport Graham Plant said: "These latest enhancements will make a big difference to people travelling in and out of Great Yarmouth and provide quicker journeys by taking advantage of the wonderful new bridge connecting the two sides of town."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Councillor Graham Plant.Councillor Graham Plant. (Image: Newsquest)Piers Marlow, managing director for First East of England said: "We’re thrilled to be able to introduce important enhancements to our popular coastal reds services. Being able to provide frequent and later departures is vital to the success of local networks and in encouraging local communities to use the bus to get around the county."

These additions come as plans which could see buses travelling in both directions through Market Gates were announced earlier this week.

The project would see new bus stops and crossing points created as well as a number of changes to current highway arrangements across neighbouring streets.

Norfolk County Council is asking residents for their views on the proposals by completing an online survey at www.norfolk.gov.uk/marketgates