DOZENS of families have come out to see Santa on-board a dazzling Christmas bus as he takes a tour of Southend.

Father Christmas and his helpers met little ones and provided spectacular photo opportunities and treats as the Ensign Bus Company’s open top SantaBus event returned for a fourth year.

Echo: Seasons greetings - Santa and his helperSeasons greetings - Santa and his helper (Image: Newsquest)

The bus started at Leigh Station at 4pm and ran along the open top 68 bus route via Leigh Broadway, Chalkwell, Westcliff, The Kursaal, Southend Pier and back towards Leigh Station.

At Chalkwell, many joyous groups braved the cold weather to see the big man himself and the bus covered in strings of colourful twinkling lights, including the Pillow family, from Kings Road.

Echo: Smiles - (L to R) Donna, Marco and Christopher PillowSmiles - (L to R) Donna, Marco and Christopher Pillow (Image: Newsquest)

Mum Donna, 54, said: “This is the first time seeing the SantaBus, and we wanted to come and see it.

“It’s a great way for people to get excited about Christmas and, of course, to get in the holiday spirit.”

Similarly, Neil Whitehead, 36, came with his boy Robin, who is two-and-a-half, so he could meet Saint Nick.

Echo: Cute - Neil with RobinCute - Neil with Robin (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “My little one really wanted to see Santa, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity and a nice way to celebrate Christmas 2023.

“It was cold, but definitely worth it.

“I’m sure we’ll do it again next year.”

Echo: Evening out - (L to R) Hayley Kimpton, Esme College, Rebecca College, Robin Whitehead and Neil WhiteheadEvening out - (L to R) Hayley Kimpton, Esme College, Rebecca College, Robin Whitehead and Neil Whitehead (Image: Newsquest)

When the bus pulled up at Chalkwell at about 5.10pm, a wave of cheers and excitable screams blasted through the breezy air.

After about a 15-minute stop to allow people to grab a photo and take in the spectacle, it was time for the bus to head off towards Chalkwell Shelter.

Echo: Photo opportunity - family posing in front of the SantaBusPhoto opportunity - family posing in front of the SantaBus (Image: Newsquest)

The Newman family came up with idea after Santa’s grottos were closed due to the pandemic.

Echo: Assisting - more of Santa's helpersAssisting - more of Santa's helpers (Image: Newsquest)

The family has spent five decades running the company behind Southend’s multi-award-winning seafront open top bus tours.

However, in March, First Bus Group signed an agreement to purchase Ensign Bus Company Limited.

Adult day tickets for the bus are £6.50 and a child/concession is £4.

Returns for adults are £5 and little ones are £3.

Singles for adults are £3 and kids are £2.

For more information about Southend’s open top bus service, visit: southendopentopbus.com.