DIGNITARIES turned out in force to celebrate the valued Sidmouth Hopper bus hitting the road for the 2013 summer season.

The free-to-ride service was launched last Thursday – earlier than usual - and enjoyed a busy first few days.

Hopper co-ordinator and town councillor John Dyson said: “The bus had a good bank holiday weekend and has fully justified the decision to bring forward the start date by a week.

“We are delighted to welcome a few new contributors, including Seasalt, which has come on board after just a few months in the town.”

Last year was the Hopper’s most successful to date. The 16-seater bus carried more than 13,500 passengers.

The service costs around £21,000 to run each year and every penny comes from the town.

Respective contributions of £7,000 are made by a raft of businesses, the town council and the Sid Vale Association’s Keith Owen Fund.

“We are grateful indeed for the support,” said Councillor Dyson. “Without that, it wouldn’t carry on.”