Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company has increased its flat fare for the second time in just over a year.

The rise has prompted an angry reaction from some bus users who say they will be paying more than they should to get around Brighton.

The bus company, which has blamed higher fuel prices for the rise, is putting up the price of its city-wide single ticket from £1.20 to £1.30 from Sunday.

It was increased from £1 in May last year.

At the same time, the price of an all-day saver will be cut by 10p to £2.50.

Bus user Donna Hollinsworth, 34, of Norfolk Square, Brighton, said she thought she would be paying over the odds.

She said: "They're being pretty sneaky by suggesting we could be saving money by reducing the saver ticket by 10p.

"I only ever get a return journey to and from work.

"If you want just a return journey and not a Saver, and therefore buy two single tickets, you're still paying 10p more.

"And I don't believe all this stuff about fuel price rises - it seems to be getting used as an excuse for everything.

"It's pretty unfair to have increased it twice so quickly."

However, Sheila Schaffer, secretary of Brighton and Hove Pensioners' Association, agreed older people could benefit.

She said: "They have been quite clever in reducing the prices and the way they have done it.

"Most pensioners buy day tickets though, so I should think they will be better off.

"I don't think they will be up in arms about it."

Bus company managing director Roger French said higher fuel prices had contributed to the increase.

He said: "The move is to encourage more passengers to buy Saver tickets and reduce the number of cash transactions on the bus to speed up boarding times.

"It is also to increase revenue to cover additional costs the company is facing, particularly fuel price rises."

The new fares structure will be the first in which the all-day Saver ticket has been priced at less than the cost of two single journeys.

The price of a Saver went up to £2.60 in April but operations manager Paul Williams said costs had since increased more than anticipated.

He said: "The prices had to be changed.

"The new price for the Saver will particularly help older people who generally buy all-day tickets."

Saver tickets are available at a cheaper price of £2.40 a day when bought in advance from shops and post offices.

Passengers with Countycards and Bus ID cards pay half fare subject to some time restrictions.