Bus passengers will soon be able to use their mobile phones as tickets.

First Essex is launching a new app, First Bus Mobile Tickets, which can be used by residents in Colchester, Clacton, Walton and surrounding villages from August 25.

Customers will be able to simply show drivers the ticket on their phone screen instead of buying a paper version.

The new scheme applies to day, weekly and monthly tickets.

It is hoped that the new approach will encourage more people to travel by bus and improve journey times.

The app is available to download for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Once payment is complete, bus tickets sit in a virtual wallet ready to show the driver.

First Essex general manager Nikki Allder said: “Paperless tickets are also better for the environment and will help reduce waste.”

For more information, visit the First Essex website.