PASSENGERS enjoyed a magical mystery tour on board Birmingham’s famous No.11 bus.

Pushchairs and shopping trolleys made way for some of the cast of the Welsh National Opera to perform in the gangway on board Europe’s longest urban bus route.

Singer Carolyn Dobbin said she had to hold on to the bars while she sang arias from Carmen.

The 30-year-old leading lady, who complimented the acoustics of the double decker, said: “Apart from having to cling on around the corners it was great fun. Everyone seemed to be enjoying it and they were all smiling.”

She serenaded an audience of 15 who included opera lover Bill Lally, who joined in with the singing. The retired lawyer, from Dorridge, said: “All buses should have opera.

“It involves the passengers in what’s going on, whereas in the traditional opera setting you’re just there as spectators.

“If we had this sort of thing on every bus I would get on one regularly.