Birmingham firm LDV has recieved another boost by finalising a fleet order from one of its biggest customers.

Royal Mail is to buy a total of 250 of the new Maxus van after putting them six months of trials.

The order is for 150 3.2-tonne long wheelbase, extra high roof panel vans, 50 3.2 tonne LWB extra high roof seven-seater bipurpose vehicles, and 50 2.8 tonne short wheelbase low roof six- seater vehicles.

LDV's special vehicle operations department (SVO) worked closely with Royal Mail to develop the vehicles to meet its unique operational needs.

Special features include electronic slam-locking and central door locking for added security, load restraint systems to secure cycles and mail trolleys and energy absorbing rear bumpers.

Nigel Peat of Royal Mail said: "This represents the first batch of Maxus orders which mark the beginning of a programme to progressively replace the Convoy and Pilot models in our existing fleet.

"LDV built a series of Maxus vehicles to allow us to evaluate and test its capabilities, working closely with SVO to develop specifications to meet our stringent requirements.

"The Maxus is certainly a good looking, comfortable vehicle and will serve our fleet well."