A BUS manufactured near Selby has become the newest of only a handful of vehicles to operate on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef.

The island resort is car free, with the only transport coming in the form of golf buggies and a free shuttle bus service to move guests around the resort.

The latest bus service is now being provided by Optare's Solo model after the Sherburn-in-Elmet based firm won the contract to supply a new fleet replacement programme.

Tony Fairweather, managing director of Patico Automotive, the exclusive Optare distributor for Australia said: "We are pleased to be partnering with Hamilton Island to improve their transport solution and the guest experience.

"The Solo is perfectly suited to a mix of passenger loads and provides the ideal combination of peak and off peak passenger numbers in the one vehicle."

Enrico Vassallo, chief executive at Optare, said: "I am delighted to see that the Solo is quickly becoming a favourite with our Australian customers as it has been with our UK Operators for many years now."