Size does matter for Barnes Coaches. The coach hire company in Aldbourne near Swindon, has added a 14-metre long 63-seater vehicle to its fleet.

Barnes is one of the first coach companies in the country to take advantage of a new law allowing for longer vehicles.

Previously the maximum length permitted was 12 metres.

The new coach was built to order in the Netherlands at a cost of £200,000, and was delivered to Swindon over Easter.

Director Lionel Barnes said the larger coach would allow bigger groups of people to travel together.

"With the extra length you can put in extra seats while still keeping generous leg room," he said.

"The coach is climate-controlled by air conditioning and fitted with luxurious reclinable seats with arm and leg rests and a DVD player, which all combine to produce a vehicle that is smooth, comfortable, spacious and reliable."

All Barnes drivers have been specially trained to handle the longer coach, and Mr Barnes said he was confident that navigating Swindon's roads would not be a problem.

"We have not encountered any difficulties and the double axle at the rear of the coach gives extra steering in tight situations," he said.