The Argus Christmas bus was setting out today on its festive fund-raising journey.

Santa and a band of helpers will be visiting 150 streets in Brighton and Hove in the run up to Christmas to raise money for The Argus Appeal and The Martlets Hospice.

The bus, sponsored by Legal and General, will be covered in fairy lights and filled with music. Children will be able to wave at Santa as he collects for charity every day until December 22.

Volunteers from businesses around the city, including the Wyndeham Press Group, Barclay's Bank, American Express, Cafe Motu and the Brighton Sheet Metal Works will collect donations. The Argus will announce which streets the bus will be travelling to so people can look out for it.

Every penny raised will go to needy people in Sussex communities.

The start of Santa's journey will be marked by an Argus extravaganza in Brighton.

At 6pm today model Twiggy, who plays the fairy in the Theatre Royal's Christmas pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, will switch on our 40ft fir tree in Victoria Gardens, The Steine.

The traditional tree has been supplied by Garden Pride in Ditchling and EDF Energy is supplying energy-efficient lights.

Celebrations will move to New Road, which we are transforming into a glittering festive wonderland for the evening.

The road will be closed between 6.30pm and 9.30pm for a Christmas market with arts, crafts, food and drink.

Free mulled wine and mince pies will be served and helium balloons given out to young visitors who can also enjoy Punch and Judy shows and have their faces painted. Carol singers will set the scene and members of the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk and the Brighton Bears basketball team will meet the crowds.

A contemporary sculptured tree of light produced by the Spectral Arts group in collaboration with Brighton schoolchildren and adults will also be lit up from within in Jubilee Square.

Juice 107.2 is broadcasting live from the event and will interview Argus editor Michael Beard on air just after 5.30pm.

Anyone who would like to join the volunteers on the Christmas bus should call Peter at the Martlets on 01273 747455.

After setting off from The Steine at 6.20pm the bus will head for the High Street bus stop in Portslade Old Village, where it is due to arrive at 6.50pm.

It will then drive through Valley Road, Chalky Road, Thornhill Rise, Graham Crescent, Graham Avenue, Mile Oak Road, Chalky Road, Fox Way, Bush Farm Drive, Fox Way, Foredown Road, Mill Lane, Mill House and Foredown Drive.