LONDON, York and Cardiff all do it - so it is high time that visitors to Newport were able to join life in the bus lane as they see its sights. And as someone who recently moved to the area from Yorkshire, I was hoping to pick up a few pointers on a city I am still getting to know.

Yesterday was the launch of the open top service, so I rubbed shoulders with tourists, Newportonians and Mayor of Newport Ray Truman. And an hour later, I was enlightened about my new home.

After leaving the familiar sights of Newport bus station behind, the tour travelled past construction work on the site of the arts centre with a mention of the medieval ship found in the River Usk which will be displayed there.

On we went past Newport Castle through Clarence Place and on to Caerleon, passing beautiful countryside and the River Usk. All without the hassle of driving myself.

At Caerleon, the bus travelled through the small quaint streets stopping off at the Roman fortress before heading back to Newport.

Moving from the Roman history and peace of Caerleon to the Transporter Bridge, which dates back to 1906 and Newport Docks, the tour emphasises the importance of the docks in Newport's past and its regeneration of Newport.

The impressive Tredegar House, dubbed the most expensive council house in Wales, and its gardens were the next stop on a busy itinerary. We learned about the Morgan family and the attractions on offer, and the bus gave a perfect view of Newport's historic house for those who may have driven past plenty of times but never ventured down the drive.

There was no Newport landmark that didn't get some kind of a mention - even the Argus office in Cardiff Road was pointed out to tourists. There were legends, historical anecdotes and explanations of what Newport will look like in the future.

Councillor Truman said: "This is fantastic. I remember years ago travelling on open top buses in Newport and you get a better view of a lot of nice sights. This is a different way of looking at Newport."

This tour is the ideal way to find your way around the city and find out a little bit more about the place in which you live and work.