Sidmouth’s popular Hopper Bus, which returned last weekend, has already carried almost 1,000 visitors around the town.

Sidmouth Herald: Pictured at the launch of the new Sidmouth Hopper Bus this week are cllrs Kelvin Dent, John Dyson and Simon Pollentine, David Wheaton from the Chamber of Commerce, Town Clerk Chris Holland and Dawn Vincent of the Donkey Sanctuary. Ref shs 21-16SH 6508. Picture: Simon Horn.Pictured at the launch of the new Sidmouth Hopper Bus this week are cllrs Kelvin Dent, John Dyson and Simon Pollentine, David Wheaton from the Chamber of Commerce, Town Clerk Chris Holland and Dawn Vincent of the Donkey Sanctuary. Ref shs 21-16SH 6508. Picture: Simon Horn. (Image: Archant)

The special launch event was attended by residents and councillors at the Bedford Lawn car park last Friday (May 27).

The free service will run until the end of September, giving visitors the opportunity to get into the town without having to worry about parking.

Operators want to refrain from introducing a fare, but they will be asking passengers for a contribution to help with running costs.

The service has broken passenger records for six successive seasons, but struggled to cope with its own success, resulting in delays and some people being left behind due to a lack of space.

Councillor John Dyson said he was pleased the new bus – which can carry up to 32 people and cost an extra 40 per cent more than the 16-seat vehicle used in previous years – had been so well received.

He added: “It has done very well. It allows more people to enjoy themselves, the shops, the beach and everything else in the town.”