The Santa Bus is back in all its festive glory.
The beloved bus began its 19-night tour of Brighton and Hove yesterday with a launch event at Palmeira Square in Hove.
Santa greeted children eagerly awaiting his arrival at the gardens.
The bus played festive tunes and crowds gathered to wave at Santa and see the Councillor Lizzie Dean, the Mayor of Brighton and Hove count down to the light switch on.
The tree in the centre of Palmeira Square was light up in gold and white lights and will be lit throughout the festive period.
Vicky Doyle, head of communications and marketing at Brighton and Hove buses, was dressed as an elf and carried a bucket to collect money for charities.
She said: "The idea of the bus is to spread festive joy across the entirety of the city.
"We go out to the furthest reaches of the city so people who are isolated or have accessibility needs which mean they cannot get to the city centre still get to see Santa and chistmas lights."
The bus will be out for about two hours each evening touring different neighbourhoods in the city.
Children will be able to wave at Santa as he passes homes. Elves will be collecting money for the twelve local charities that the Santa Bus scheme supports.
Ed Wills, the managing director of Brighton and Hove buses, drove the Santa Bus to its launch event in Hove.
He said: "We are so happy to bring back the Santa Bus for its nineteenth year."
The Argus is the official media partner for the Santa Bus.
Editor Arron Hendy said: "It is great to see the Santa Bus back again in all its twinkling glory.
"It brings huge joy to children around the city and it feels like that is particularly important this year.
"Please do get out and see Santa and donate if you can.
"There are so many amazing charities that the Santa Bus helps to support."
You can track the Santa Bus as it makes its way across Brighton and Hove in real time at https://www.buses.co.uk/santa-bus-tracker.
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