Those heading to Weymouth for New Year's Eve this year will benefit from subsidised bus travel thanks to local businesses.

The town's Business Improvement District (BID) has announced plans to work with First Wessex to help provide transportation into Weymouth for people celebrating the start of a new year.

Weymouth has earned a reputation for being one of the best places to go to for New Year festivities, as thousands of residents and visitors alike dress up for a town-wide fancy dress.

There will be plenty happening in Weymouth for New Year's Eve, with fireworks on the Peninsular and loads of ticketed events at local bars and pubs.

We Are Weymouth, the town's online tourist information centre, is run by the BID and has been working closely with First Bus Dorset to provide a bus service in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

First Bus will be running free bus services on the No.1 to Wyke Regis and Portland, No.2 to Littlemoor, No.8 to Chickerell and No.10 to Dorchester and Poundbury at selected times.

Richard Lamb, chairman of We Are Weymouth, said: “The night time economy and Purple Flag Accreditation is one of the key objectives in our plan and as New Year’s Eve is always a great party time in Weymouth we have been working hard to create safe ways of getting home after the celebrations in Weymouth.

"We are hoping that even more people will choose to come to Weymouth to party the night way and enjoy time in the many restaurants, bars and clubs.”

"Simon Goff, Head of Operations for First Wessex, said: "We are delighted to support We Are Weymouth with providing buses for the high-profile New Year’s Eve event.

"The bus has an important role to play in connecting communities, reducing congestion and helping to achieve cleaner air for Weymouth and South Dorset."

A spokesman at Weymouth Town Council said: "The council is delighted to hear of this excellent addition to New Year's festivities. With Weymouth town centre recently retaining its Purple Flag status, there's never been a better time to visit our wonderful town and enjoy a night out."

Dorset NYE extra journeys.docx

In this file, the times in red will be free.