A ROMAN chariot will gallop into St Albans on Friday to celebrate the arrival of a new modern mode of transport linking the city to London.

The new Greenline 712 coach service from St Albans to London will be inviting passengers aboard from Monday, June 29.

But helping to answer the public's burning questions about the route at an event this Friday before its offical launch will be the historic driver on horseback.

Bus company Arriva the shires & Essex invited the chariot, played by an actor, along with three Roman cartoons created to represent the new service as a tribute to St Albans heritage.

Last week the Review asked members of the public to suggest names for the three Roman mascots which represent a different aspect of what the service offers – sightseeing, shopping and commuting. Suggestions can also be offered at the event on Friday.

Linsey Frostick, customer services manager for the bus company, said: “The introduction of the 712 means that the people of St. Albans will now have an alternative to the train when travelling to and from London. And with return fares starting at £5 we are expecting seats to fill up fast in the coming months.

“The 712 service will run from Verulamium to Londinium."

If people think they can come up with a catchy name for the characters they can send their entries to greenline@arriva.co.uk or call 0845 270 1660.