More than 1,000 Mid Sussex people have signed a petition demanding free bus travel for old age pensioners.

Residents of Hassocks, Burgess Hill and the surrounding area put their names to the document, which demanded equal treatment for the elderly.

Many were angry because passengers over 60 pay half-price for their fares while others in Crawley travel for free.

The petition, signed by 1,268 people, was given to Mid Sussex District Council last night by councillor Peter Martin.

Coun Martin, of Hassocks, said: "People are asking for pensioners to be treated equally in the Mid Sussex area.

"By law, every pensioner in the country must have a bus pass but the fare paid depends on the place where they live.

"If it is free to travel in Crawley, why isn't it free in Hassocks and Burgess Hill? "

Last month passengers were fuming after bus fares on the Burgess Hill Village Rider service jumped 27 per cent to £1.40, with fares for the elderly rising from 55p to 70p.

A report will be drawn up investigating the cost of free travel for pensioners following the submission of last night's petition.

Coun Martin said it cost Mid Sussex District Council about £150,000 a year to run the current scheme for the area.

He said: "If we really want to encourage people to leave their cars at home we must give them an incentive."

Councillor David Russel, Mid Sussex District Council cabinet member for community development, said: "A report on the matter will have to be considered by cabinet.

"The council's transport consultants will need to look at this question closely.

"Mid Sussex has in place a concessionary fares scheme which exceeds national standards and the financial implications would need to be examined."