Brighton and Hove children can travel free on the buses this weekend in a bid to boost business trade.

Brighton and Hove Buses will offer the free travel to accompanied under 16-year-olds and Bus ID holders on Saturday, December 7.

It is hoped the move will attract more families into the city centre to shop and eat on Small Business Day – a day marked out to celebrate and support small local businesses.

The bus company carried more than 134,000 passengers into and around the city on the same day last year.

This year it is looking to beat that total as the Christmas shopping period gets into full swing with extra vehicles standing by when buses get too busy with shoppers.

Managing director Martin Harris said: “We want to continue to play our part in supporting the small local businesses that are so important to the city.

“Brighton and Hove has the best range of independent shops in the country and if we can help bring more people into the city by bus, at a time when household finances are stretched, it will help shops, restaurants and entertainment businesses.

“If shoppers have a few more pounds to spend in the shops, and that tempts people who don’t normally travel by bus to try out our services, then that will help everyone get around the city on these very busy Christmas shopping days.”

Nancy Platts, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, added: “This is a great way to support Small Business Saturday and families on low incomes at the same time.

“I hope that everyone will enjoy a family Christmas shopping day in Brighton’s unique and diverse range of shops this Saturday."

The Accompanied Kids Go Free offer is not available on any night buses.

Free parking is also available at five council car parks – a proposal opposed by the Green administration but forced through by Labour and Conservative councillors.

Other events include Artists Open Houses, a window dressing competition, indie Christmas card trail and business support sessions at Jubilee Library and the Whitehawk Inn.

For more information click here.