Transport for Greater Manchester has placed an order for 125 electric buses to be built by Wrightbus in Ballymena.

The order follows an earlier contract for 55 double-decker buses placed in March. It brings the total number of Wrightbus vehicles ordered for the Bee Network to 180.

Seventy-six vehicles from the previous order have already been delivered. Thirty-three double-decker buses are operating on routes 8 and 10 in Bolton, Farnworth, Pendlebury and Salford. Forty-three modified single and double-decker buses are due to begin service on the Leigh Guided Busway.

The new buses will be transported by ferry from Belfast to Birkenhead before reaching depots in Greater Manchester.

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said the order supports the goal of a fully electric fleet by 2030.

North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew said the contract will support jobs and the local economy in Ballymena.

Wrightbus Managing Director Christian Reynolds said the order reflects confidence in UK manufacturing and supply chains.