THE UK’s 'fastest growing' long-distance coach provider is launching new services across the country ahead of the bank holiday weekend - with Carlisle included on a route.

FlixBus's new daily cross country route will connect Dundee and Bristol, with services running through Perth, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham.

FlixBus also will introduce Carlisle as a new destination on this route, adding the city to its network, with the company saying it aims to provide people with 'more convenient and affordable travel options in time for the summer'.

The news comes ahead of BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend in Dundee, which will see 85,000 music fans descend on Camperdown.

Additional routes will also begin between Birmingham and London as well as Newcastle to Manchester, Leeds and Middlesbrough.

Andreas Schorling, managing director of FlixBus UK said: “As the weather finally warms up, we know more passengers than ever will be looking for affordable, reliable and sustainable travel options around the country.

"We’re excited to be expanding our network to keep up with huge consumer demand for our green coaches!

“Meanwhile, we have kept country moving throughout the rail strike disruptions of the past year, and next week will be no different.

"Coach continues to be the unsung hero of the transport industry, as thousands of people depend on our services to travel.”