It is a sign that Christmas is here when the Santa Bus rolls into town.

The Argus Appeal and Martlets Hospice’s fundraising vehicle will set off on its tour of Brighton, Hove and Saltdean streets on Thursday to spread Christmas cheer and raise money for charity.

Father Christmas and his team of elves will be on board the brightly decorated double-decker bus to raise money for the appeal and Martlets Hospice.

It will set off in the early evenings on weekdays from now until Christmas for up to 16 days as soon as it gets dark. People are being urged to listen out and give generously.

Appeal co-ordinator Elsa Gillio said: “Everyone loves the annual Santa Bus tour and it is so much fun.

“The event has been taking place for at least ten years.

“It is a joint project with Martlets Hospice and sponsored by Legal and General.

“The technical team at Theatre Royal Brighton also are a great source of support by giving their time and expertise to decorate the bus with Christmas lights.

“We are also very grateful for the loan of the bus from the Brighton and Hove Bus Company, who provide the bus and driver.

“This year, Mears joined in and helped to load the generator.

“A few days before the bus visits each street, our elves will be delivering through each letterbox easily identifiable envelopes for everyone to put their donation in.

“We are extremely grateful for every penny.

“It’s an absolutely fantastic event and people look forward to it coming down their street. Elves will come knocking on the door to collect donations for a number of local causes to help those in need.

“Last year we raised £25,000, which was generously matched by Lloyds TSB.”

In the event of severe weather preventing a visit to a certain location, an emergency call will be made to Brighton and Hove City Council to get permission to collect on alternative days.

Follow @Argus_Santa on Twitter for information and see the full schedule of visits by street name at theargus.co.uk.