Brighton and Hove's £1 flat-rate bus fare is here to stay, the city's main operator has decided.

Bus boss Roger French said the pilot scheme, launched in January, had been an "overwhelming" success.

Latest figures suggest 2,500 more passengers a day take the bus compared with the same period last year.

The flat fare policy will now be extended indefinitely.

Mr French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, said: "The scheme has led to more passengers, attracted by its simplicity and extra value for money."

When the flat rate was introduced in January, people commuting to the city from outlying areas saw fares fall from as much as £1.50 for a single.

But the abolition of the 80p Centrefare meant travelling in the centre cost an extra 20p.

The initial four-month trial period began in January and was extended for another four months in April.

Mr French said: "It was a huge gamble to move to a £1 flat fare but we've had an overwhelming endorsement from passengers over the last few months.

"Passengers have welcomed the simplicity of the scheme and comment on how much quicker it is to board at bus stops.

"Our drivers have also given the scheme the thumbs up as it makes their job easier."