SOUTHERN Vectis will put on extended bus services over the Christmas period.

The firm wants to encourage people to leave their cars at home and use public transport. Fares will remain the same over Christmas and New Year.

General manager Richard Tyldsley said: "On Christmas Day, routes 1,3,5,7 and 9 will be in service — running to a special timetable.

"Access to bus services on Christmas Day is a rarity across the UK — even for those living in London — so we're very proud to offer one of the nation's most comprehensive bus operations.

&am p;lt;p>"The Southern Vectis team is very much looking forward to a fun but peaceful Christmas 2017 - and we hope our special timetable will help local passengers enjoy their festive period too."

Here is a summary of the seasonal service:

• Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24 - Sunday service

• Christmas Day, Monday, December 25 - special service

• Boxing Day, Tuesday, December 26 - Sunday Service

• December 27, 28, 29, 30 - usual timetable

• New Year's Eve - Sunday Service

• New Year's Day - Sunday service (no route 6)

View the full timetable at www.islandbuses.info