TWENTY new double-decker buses need names.

And the Brighton and Hove Bus Company wants local people to decide what they should be called.

The buses, costing £2.75 million, will be introduced on route 1 between Mile Oak and Whitehawk during March and April.

Managing director Roger French said the company started off with names such as Brighton Belle, Brighton Rock and Brighton Pier.

Then it moved on to Brighton and Hove Albion, Hove Actually and Brighton and Hove in Bloom.

Mr French said: "At this point we got stuck which is why we are now asking people for help."

The company could go for present day celebrities such as actress Dora Bryan, boxer Chris Eubank or pop star Fatboy Slim.

Or it might plump for people from the past such as comedian Max Miller, actor Lord Olivier, hotelier Sir Harry Preston or Sir Herbert Carden, maker of modern Brighton.

The company might also choose names of landmarks in the town such as the Royal Pavilion or the Pepper Pot at Queen's Park.

Mr French said: "If we choose celebrities, we might ask one of them to a naming ceremony.

"We wanted to get names with close associations with Brighton and Hove, as these buses will be passing daily along the main streets of the towns."

Anyone with suggestions should call the company on 01273 886200.

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