A new bus service taking passengers to Camber Sands near Rye is launching next week.

Stagecoach will run a ‘beach bus’ for sunseekers heading to the scenic East Sussex spot, from Ashford and stopping at several villages on the way.

The bus operator confirmed the new Route 500 service will begin on July 27 and run for five weeks each day until August 31.

Buses will run four times a day from Bank Street in Ashford town centre before stopping at Ashford International and Ashford Designer Outlet.

The route will then continue to Hamstreet, Old Romney and Lydd before arriving at Camber Sands around an hour later.

Stagecoach South East's Joel Mitchell said: “We're aiming this at families who otherwise might not be able to get to the coast, either because they don't have access to a car, or potentially because the railway is unaffordable or doesn't get them where they want to go.

“It’s about looking after the community and trying to do something a bit different and worthwhile for the summer holidays.”

Ashford Borough Council leader, Noel Ovenden, added: “We’re pleased to get on board with this campaign.

"We hope residents will take advantage of this offer and enjoy some family fun at the beach during the summer.”

Return tickets for the 500 bus will cost £5.

A family day ticket will also be available for £17.10 for five people including up to two adults and up to three children aged 5 to 15.

Concessions passes will also be valid on the service, with tickets able to be used on any Stagecoach South East bus.

The last bus will leave Camber at 7pm.

More information about the beach bus, including the timetable, can be found here.

Camber Sands, the only sand dune beach in East Sussex, stretches for almost five miles.

The resort includes holiday parks and water sports activities including windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Last month, fellow bus operator Crosskey announced it was beginning its ‘Reach the Beach’ scheme in Folkestone.

Running from July 20 until September 1, the seven-days-a-week service will bring visitors to and from six destinations across the town.