WHITEHILL and Bordon residents can ride the town bus service for free to do their Christmas shopping in the town between December 19 and Christmas Eve.

The service will be free for five days to encourage people to use it to get around the town and “reduce their reliance on cars for short journeys”.

The town bus service is very recognisable thanks to its colourful design created by creative local children Patricia Parratt and Dylan Appleby.

The five fare-free days are being supported by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) which will cover the cost of all journeys made.

Sally Pond, Whitehill’s mayor, said: “I’m really pleased that this free travel is being offered again. It was a great success last year and I hope lots of people take advantage of it to do their Christmas shopping.

“The town bus service is a vital lifeline for many in the town, providing a link to the shops, hospital and other facilities.

“The town bus service will become increasingly essential as more facilities come to the town but it’s important that people take advantage of it now.”

Adam Carew, leader of Whitehill Town Council, said: “It’s everybody’s responsibility to re-think the way they get around to help reduce our carbon emissions – the bus is a great way to make short journeys around the town.

“We’re making it easier for residents to get around Whitehill and Bordon on foot too with the green loop project – a network of footpaths and cycle paths which are due to be completed over the next few years.”

Any ideas on how EHDC can improve the town service can be e-mailed to [email protected].