FAMOUS open top buses are returning to Southend seafront better than ever this summer as a new route has been announced.

Two scenic coastal routes will take day-trippers and residents all the way from pretty Leigh, along Southend's vibrant seafront and then to the peaceful beaches and fabulous views of Shoebury.

For the first time, the family favourite open top bus 68 is joined by a new "Southend’s 99" route starting from this bank holiday weekend, with four unique buses celebrating ice cream legends Rossi.

Buses on both routes ​run every 60 minutes on every day they are operating, but during the school summer holidays and on other busy days all across the season they will run a bus every 30 minutes.

The 68 - which was crowned Britain's favourite route last year - runs between Leigh and Southend Pier while the 99 buses will take passengers from outside the pier to Shoebury East Beach.

The four new buses are painted red, orange, green and blue, each in one of Rossi’s most popular ice cream flavours.

For full timetables of the open top buses, visit southendopentopbus.com.