A HAMPSHIRE bus company has shut down, the Echo can reveal.

Velvet - which ran services in Southampton and the Eastleigh area - ceased trading today.

The Daily Echo understands the firm's drivers and administration staff were told the company was closing this afternoon.

The firm's website has shut down and replaced with a statement reading: “We regret to advise that Velvet has ceased trading as of Wednesday, July 16.

It follows months of financial troubles at the company whose head offices are bases in Eastleigh High Street.

Arrangements are being made to cover their routes.