IT might not be as striking as an intergalactic spaceship but this humble bus could be the future of Hampshire's public transport.

A hybrid electric bus is being trialled by Stagecoach in Winchester on the city's park-and-ride until the weekend as part of a nationwide experiment.

The single decker bus runs emission-free and special braking technology means the batteries on the bus are charged when brakes are applied. The bus has 30 seats and space for 30 standing passengers.

Stagecoach is working with Hampshire county and Winchester city councils to trial new technology as part of the Miracles environmental initiative.

Previously hybrid electric cars were unveiled, through the project, on an alternative transport day in the city.

The city council has since offered free parking for drivers of any fully electric cars and a 50 per cent discount to anyone driving a hybrid electric car in the city.

A spokesman for the county council said: "The electric bus is the way forward for our towns and cities."

Nigel Deacon, managing director of Stagecoach in Winchester, said: "It's incredibly popular."