Bus passengers travelling throughout Essex need never miss a copy of their favourite weekly newspaper, thanks to an exclusive marketing agreement between First buses and The Enquirer.

The free newspaper is available on the 100 route – which travels from Lakeside Shopping Centre to Chelmsford town centre via Grays, Basildon and Billericay.

The Enquirer is a free regional newspaper - distributed in dispensers in newsagents, rail stations and shopping centres - with two editions covering South Essex and East London and printing just under 60,000 copies a week.

Dispensers at the front of the buses will now be stacked with Enquirers every Thursday, which passengers can take home with them.

‘Enquirer on the buses’ will be trialled on the 100 route for three months – if successful, it will be rolled out to First buses across the county.

Editor Carol Driver said: "Distributing in Essex this way is a first for the county, and is another way in which Enquirer readers can pick up their quality free newspaper."

Chris McCormick, divisional manager South East for the First Group said: "We hope the initiative will be a success and hope our customers will enjoy the new facility. We look forward to expanding the scheme in buses across the whole of Essex."

The Enquirer will also be teaming up with First buses to offer readers some exclusive competitions and offers.