THE next generation of London’s iconic Routemaster buses could be inspired by a vision from a Hampshire student.

Craig Tomkin was awarded second prize in the 16-18 age group of a contest to image a design for a new bus fit for the 21st century.

The 18-year-old, who is studying product design among his A-levels at Peter Symonds College, Winchester, said that his design would provide a trademark for London.

The competition, held by London mayor Boris Johnson, attracted 700 entries from professionals and non-professionals across the world. The winning ideas will be passed on to bus manufacturers to work up to a final design.

The first of the new buses will be on the streets by 2011.