Bus passengers will soon be running to catch the ‘Paul Plumb’ or asking what time the ‘Fred Perry’ arrives.

The well-known names are part of new Brighton and Hove Bus Company Hybrid buses that have been named in honour of local charity workers, actors, conservationists, sports people and others.

Eleven of the eco-friendly double-deckers, which cost nearly £3.5 million, will arrive in October.

Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus Company, said: “We’ve been able to choose a great mix of people who did fantastic work for the local area during their lifetime and who will be known to many residents.

“We are always pleased to receive suggestions and are grateful for the huge interest shown in our bus names.”

Other names on the list include Kemp Town resident Antony Dale, a leading conservationist in Brighton after the Second World War.

He formed the Regency Society of Brighton and Hove in 1945 after proposals were put forward by Hove Council to knock down Brunswick Square and build a car park.

Brighton-born inventor Reg Moores is best remembered for inventing the radio microphone.

He was a highly-regarded flight engineer for the RAF Coastal Command during the Second World War and later became chief technician in the chemistry department at the University of Sussex.

Stars of the screen are also honoured, with EastEnders favourite Wendy Richard remembered for her performances.

She played Pauline Fowler in the BBC soap for more than 20 years and appeared in pantomime at the Theatre Royal Brighton, as well as Carry On films and TV quiz shows.

Teacher turned full-time actor Peter Stockbridge received recognition for his work on a one-man show in which he played the writer and TV personality Malcolm Muggeridge.

He later appeared in many TV dramas, films and commercials and also performed in theatre.

The new hybrid buses will start running on route 7 between Hove and Brighton Marina and on journeys between Brighton and Lewes on route 28.

Mr French said: “They are fantastic buses as they use battery power for much of the time and have a much smaller engine making them very green and fuel efficient.

“We’re testing them out in different operating conditions including a busy city route and a longer distance route along the A27.”