All aboard '“ go topless and savour some stunning sights

It had been feared that open top bus tours would disappear from the seafront scene this year.

Operators the Bath Bus Company decided it simply wasn’t economically viable to keep the service going.

Enter Adrian ‘AJ’ Harris, who had been manager of the Eastbourne operation for the West Country business for 10 years.

He put together a business plan and is now the proud man behind Eastbourne Sightseeing.

It is being brought to the public by bus company Seaford and District – and the service begins tomorrow (Saturday).

AJ, 49, of Windsor Way, Polegate, said, “It had become a logistical nightmare to run the tours from so far away in Bath. But Eastbourne was very much ‘my baby’ and I didn’t want the service to come to an end. I love this town and am honoured and immensely proud to bring Eastbourne Sightseeing.

“The tradition has been saved and now it will be improved.”

The familiar red buses are being replaced by a fleet in a sparkling new livery of green and cream.

The new open top sightseeing tour for 2016 will operate every day until the end of October.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to go topless and get the best views of Eastbourne seafront, Beachy Head, Birling Gap and the surrounding areas from one of the open top double decker buses, complete with English commentary.

Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £7.50 for seniors and £5 for under-16s. A family ticket costs £25.

They are valid for 24 hours – simply hop on or off at your nea nearest bus stop. The distinctive vehicles will operate every 30 minutes from 10am to 5pm.

Tickets are available to buy from your driver, or the sales team based at the Eastbourne Pier bus stop.

Tours start at the pier and proceed along the seafront before heading into the spectacular countryside above Eastbourne, taking in Beachy Head, Belle Tout, Birling Gap, The Tiger Inn at East Dean and Warren Hill before heading back to town.

AJ has retained his team of knowledgable drivers and his fleet includes some vintage double-deckers.

One dating from the 1960s will be visiting the Arndale Centre tomorrow morning as Eastbourne Sightseeing gets launched with a bang – literally. On the top deck will be the Pentacle Drummers, who have been entertaining crowds locally for more than 10 years.

To find out more visit www.journeysolutions.co.uk

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