THE new town bus is proving popular, with more than 2,500 users since it launched in May, and next month the bus will be spruced up with the winning design of a competition.

Patricia Parratt, from Bordon Junior School, and Dylan Appleby, from Weyford Junior School, won with their designs, which are displayed at the eco-station. These will soon be added to the bus.

On an average day, 30 people use the town-wide service, which has been funded by the Whitehill and Bordon Project.

The new bus offers residents three new routes to get around the town and to the nearby villages, including Blackmoor, Greatham, Lindford and Standford.

The bus has funding for the next five years and costs £1.50 for an adult single and £2.25 for an adult return and is £1.15 for a child return.

David Parkinson, East Hampshire District Council's portfolio holder for planning, said: "I am glad we were able to provide this valuable service, helping residents to move around the town more easily. It is a new service and we are keen to hear feedback on how the service can be improved."