THE country’s first semi-electric tour bus will soon be ferrying passengers through the Lake District.

Coniston entrepreneur Harry Kilgour might be driving a white bus but its pioneering technology will offer passengers a green ride.

Tourists will be able to view the landscape in the hybrid 17-seater bus, which uses an electric unit to support its diesel engine.

Mr Kilgour had the motor fitted to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the bus by 20 per cent and lower its diesel intake.

The system was initially tested in goods vans but has been installed in a tour bus for the first time by specialists Ashwoods Automotive of Exeter.

The hybrid unit, which is fitted at the back of the bus, generates power to help increase the vehicle’s diesel efficiency. It recharges its battery system when not assisting the engine.

Mr Kilgour, 61, took the minibus out for its debut drive this week as he launched his business Bluebird Tours of Coniston. It will offer planned and bespoke tours throughout South Cumbria.

Mr Kilgour said: “There’s not much around Coniston in terms of bus tourism, and certainly nothing as green as this."