A summer season bus service set to whisk passengers to a bustling seaside village will launch this weekend.

Stagecoach will run a ‘beach bus’ for sunseekers heading from Ashford to Dymchurch, stopping at several spots en route to Dymchurch High Street.

The bus operator confirmed the new Route 500 service will begin on May 24 (Saturday) and run for more than three months until August 31.

Buses will run four times a day, beginning in Guernsey Way, Kennington, at 9.20am.

The service will then stop at Bockhanger, Ashford International, County Square and the Designer Outlet and Beaver Inn.

It will continue to Hamstreet, Old Romney, and New Romney, before arriving at Dymchurch about an hour later.

Stagecoach operations manager, Kim Brooks, said: “It’s something that offers a break from digital devices and urban life – to get the kids out and breathe the sea air in the holidays.

“Dymchurch has got everything from a good old fashioned seaside amusement park, fish and chip shops, cafés and donkey rides to an expanse of golden sandy beaches.

“It’s really all about making the seaside accessible this summer in a way that can enhance social connection on a trip with family or friends.”

The new route replaces last year's 500 service, which took passengers to Camber Sands, near Rye, for five weeks last summer.

Ashford Borough Council leader, Noel Ovenden, added: "We’re really excited to join this campaign for the second year running.

"There’s no place like the beach in the summer and we hope that our residents make the most of this offer with Stagecoach.”

Buses will run every day from Saturday until June 1 where the service will operate just on the weekends.

A daily service will then resume throughout the summer holidays from July 23 until August 31.

The last bus back to Ashford will leave Dymchurch High Street at 6.50pm.

Return tickets for the 500 bus will cost £6.

A family day ticket will also be available for £16.50 for five people travelling together.

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

Meanwhile, children can travel for £4.50 using the 'Beach Bus U19 DayRider'.

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

It means passengers will able to visit not only the seaside, but the popular Dymchurch Amusement Park and Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway.