A double-decker bus made in Bristol has been wrecked during filming for a new episode of Doctor Who.

The 1980 Bristol VR had been shipped to Dubai but was badly damaged after it was unloaded by crane at the city's docks.

The Bristol Post understands that a 30ft ship container was dropped on top of the bus before filming could begin.

The storyline for Planet Of The Dead sees Lady Christina de Souza - played by ex-EastEnder Michelle Ryan - pull off a jewellery heist and escape on the bus where she meets the Timelord.

Executives on the TV are reported to be using two of the Bristol double-deckers for episode, which was due to be aired over Easter.

One of the buses was used to shoot scenes with star David Tennant in Cardiff, while the other was shipped out to Dubai.

Although it is rumoured the bus is a write-off, it is thought that temporary repairs should mean it will still be used to complete filming in Dubai.

Although Bristol's famous bus company, Bristol Commercial Vehicles, in Brislington has been closed for more than 20 years ago, some of is buses are still on the road.

At its peak in the 1950s and 60s, the factory was producing 100 buses a year and employed about 1,000 staff.

The buses were known as the Rolls-Royce of double-deckers because of their style and quality.

Russell T Davies, the TV series producer, only revealed last week that the Easter special would see the Doctor taking a "bus trip which takes an unexpected detour into danger".

It is estimated the BBC would have paid around £7,000 to ship the bus to Dubai.

Production costs to film the episode in the Middle East state could cost the BBC an estimated £30,000 a week.

A spokeswoman for the BBC show said: "We never comment on plot lines but can confirm that contrary to some reports, filming has not been disrupted and shooting is continuing as normal."