She joked that she had used every type of transport except horses in recent weeks as she boarded the coach for the first time.

Emblazoned with the phrases "Theresa May: For Britain" and "Strong, stable leadership in the National Interest", the blue bus is touring round the North East for the rest of the day.

Addressing local Tories gathered at Eshott Airfield in Felton, Northumberland, Mrs May said the campaigning would "step up" with 27 days to go to polling day.