Stagecoach has hired the agency behind the famous Irn-Bru soft drinks adverts to develop a TV consumer advertising campaign to encourage Britain to get on board the bus.

A series of three 40-second adverts, created by the award-winning Edinburgh-based Leith Agency, are being shown across southern England.Actor Tom Baker recorded the voiceover for the adverts, which were directed by Damien O’Donnell, who is well known for his comedy such as in the feature length film East is East and TV commercial for Irn-Bru 32.

The ads feature three humorous characters:  WAG Tanya Brown, academic Professor Harold Hooterson and "green" enthusiast Gayle Windybottom.

Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: "This is a completely fresh way to market public transport and a first for the UK. Buses are for everyone and carry a diverse range of customers from lots of different backgrounds.

"Stagecoach has attracted rising numbers of passengers for the past five years in a row. We believe that with increasing congestion and more environmental awareness, there is huge potential to get even more people on board the nation’s buses."