The much-loved Santa Bus is returning for its 20th year on Friday.

Brighton and Hove Buses' annual event will celebrate two decades of the bus touring the city’s streets with Santa Claus on board.

The open top bus begins its tour on Friday and will be visiting every part of Brighton and Hove, from Southwick to Peacehaven.

Each evening it will start between 5.30pm and 5.45pm, depending on traffic, and will finish between 7pm and 8.30pm.

The bus, decorated with some 10,000 twinkling lights, will be out and about most week nights (and some Saturdays) until it finishes on Friday, December 22.

It will visit more than 200 streets in Brighton and Hove.

The Santa Bus raises money for charities and to date has raised more than £380,000.

For its 20th year it will give money to 20 good causes.

Claire Kidd, head of fundraising at Hove hospice the Martlets, one of the charities the bus company is supporting, said: "We are reminded every day that life is precious and we understand how important it is to make memories that matter with those we care about.

“The Santa Bus is one of these special, magical moments and Martlets is proud to have been part of this from the very beginning and excited to still be partnering, 20 years on, with Brighton and Hove Buses and of course the one and only Santa Claus, for the 20th anniversary.”

The full list of dates and areas is:

  • Friday, November 24 - Goldstone and Downs Park
  • Monday, November 27 - Bevendean
  • Tuesday, November 28 - Woodingdean
  • Wednesday, November 29 - Hollingbury
  • Thursday, November 30  - Peacehaven
  • Monday, December 4 - East Saltdean
  • Tuesday, December 5 - Patcham
  • Wednesday, December 6  - Portland Road and Hangleton Valley Drive
  • Thursday, December 7  - Preston Park and Fiveways
  • Saturday, December 9 - Southwick
  • Monday, December 11 - Saltdean
  • Tuesday, December 12 - Hollingdean
  • Wednesday, December 13 - Woodingdean
  • Thursday, December 14 - West Blatchington and Knoll
  • Saturday, December 16 - Hangleton
  • Monday, December 18 – Coldean
  • Tuesday, December 19 - Moulsecoomb
  • Wednesday, December 20 - Wish
  • Thursday, December 21 - Whitehawk
  • Friday, December 22 - Mile Oak