THE Santa bus has returned to Andover to offer festive fun and help raise funds for a charity.

A single decker Stagecoach bus, which received a Christmas makeover by staff at the Andover depot, will be seen across the local network.

The bus service is also looking to help raise funds for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight air ambulance.

Stagecoach operations manager Mark Jackson said: “We are delighted to run our Santa bus again, which has become a family favourite every year, and we have received fantastic feedback from everyone who travelled on board.”

The Santa bus will be in operation across the local town network until Christmas Eve and passengers will have the opportunity to make a donation to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight air ambulance.

This year Stagecoach has introduced a new Christmas-themed exterior livery for the 2022 season.

Stagecoach South managing director Gordon Frost said: “Our Santa bus has become a great tradition for the local communities served. We are delighted to be supporting the Hampshire and Isle of Wight air ambulance and I’m sure that our customers will be pleased knowing that they have helped raise such an amazing amount for a great cause.

"I am extremely grateful to all our local teams who will play a huge part in the continued success by taking the Christmas-themed buses out and about in all their twinkling glory, raising money for charity.”