Winchester bus users can travel in festive style once again this year as Stagecoach South’s Santa Bus returns to raise money for Winchester Hospice.

Passengers hoping to travel in and around Winchester can experience a festive ride surrounded by lights, tinsel and even Christmas music when onboard the Santa Bus until Friday, December 22.

The bus will appear across the network on multiple different routes throughout the week, including in areas further afield such as Romsey, Alton and Eastleigh.

For a second year, passengers will have the opportunity to make a donation to Winchester Hospice - the city’s only adult hospice providing palliative and end of life care.

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Hampshire Chronicle: Winchester Santa Bus

The single decker has been festively decorated by staff at Stagecoach South’s Winchester depot and will be driven by one of Santa’s elves.

Aboard will also be Santa himself, who will be gifting sweet Christmas treats to children making a journey via the bus.

Donna Coombs, clinical matron at Winchester Hospice, said: “We’re really excited to be part of this fantastic initiative again this year and hope that as many people as possible will jump on and be part of the fun.

“All donations made to our charity make a huge impact to the service we provide so if you can, please do support us whilst you travel this week.”

Melanie McDougall, head of operations for Stagecoach South, said: "Our annual Santa Bus campaigns provide special, magical moments for our customers, especially young children and families.

“I am extremely grateful to all our local teams, especially our Santa Bus crews who 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".

To support Winchester Hospice on your journey, text SANTAWH to 70191 to donate £10.