Airport buses will take euros in new year

Passengers on some bus routes serving Birmingham International Airport will be able to pay in euros from 1 January. Travel West Midlands, the region's biggest bus company, is to accept the currency, despite the fact Britain has not signed up to use it.

A day ticket for four euros, which is about £2.50, will be available on two services which connect the airport with Birmingham and other main centres in the West Midlands. The company said the move was designed to help tourists and people returning from Europe with unused euros.

A spokesman said: "We believe it will be warmly welcomed by many British and foreign people who rely on public transport to get to the airport." Other routes may follow later next year, depending on the success of the scheme.