BUSES will run on Boxing Day in Basingstoke this year for the first time.

Responding to feedback which showed an increased demand from shoppers for help getting to the festive sales, Stagecoach will run a special timetable on December 26, reflecting the higher number of shops that now open on Boxing Day.

The services will serve Chineham, East Popley, South Ham, Winklebury, Hatch Warren, Brighton Hill, Tadley and Baughurst, with most running hourly between 9am and 7pm.

The same service will run on New Year’s Day.

Mark Turner, commercial director for Stagecoach, said: “Due to the increase in shopping opportunities and the popularity of Boxing Day sales, we believe there is demand for a service on this day and we are excited to offer this to residents of Basingstoke for the first time in recent years.

“While some people may still be tucking into turkey sandwiches, other Basingstoke residents are keen to be first in line at the sales and customers told us they’d like to be able to reach those bargains on the bus, rather than having to drive.”

No services will run on Christmas Day and a Saturday timetable will run on most services on December 27, 30 and 31.

Stagecoach will also offer Basingstoke bus users an extended Mearider ticket, making those bought between December 19 and 24 valid for 12 days instead of seven.

For a full timetable visit Stagecoach online at stagecoachbus.com/south.