SOUTHERN Vectis has announced that Islanders will have opportunities to travel by bus on Christmas Day and over the festive period thanks to a series of special services.

The company confirmed there will be a number of routes operating on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

General manager of Southern Vectis, Richard Tyldsley said: "As ever, we are keen to encourage people to leave their cars at home and really enjoy Christmas and New Year with their friends and family.

“So, we are once again running routes 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 on Christmas Day, with a special timetable.

“All fares will remain the same over the festive period, allowing our customers to put their pennies towards those extra special presents.

“Access to bus services on Christmas Day is still a rarity across the UK, even for those living in London, so we’re very proud to offer one of the nation’s most comprehensive bus operations.”

The services are as follows:

Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24 — normal Tuesday service

Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25 — special service

Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26 — Sunday service

December 27 and 28 — usual timetable, including night buses

Sunday, December 29 — Sunday service

Monday, December 30 — normal Monday service

New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31 — normal Tuesday service with night buses

New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1 — Sunday service

Thursday, January 2 — resume to normal timetable