Whether its a big city or seaside town, an open top bus is one of the best ways of getting to know a place.

Eastern Daily Press: The Seasider open top bus in Great Yarmouth on its maiden voyage Photo: George RyanThe Seasider open top bus in Great Yarmouth on its maiden voyage Photo: George Ryan (Image: George Ryan)

Now, holidaymakers, visitors and residents alike will be able to do just that in Great Yarmouth.

The first open top service bus in the town for nearly 20 years picked up its first passengers yesterday on the sea front.

The scheduled number 3 bus will be known as the 'Seasider' and is run by First Bus and on an hourly service during the day.

The general manager at Great Yarmouth's bus depot, Chris Speed, said he hoped the bus would get people to explore the resort and town centre.

Eastern Daily Press: The Seasider open top bus in Great Yarmouth on its maiden voyage Photo: George RyanThe Seasider open top bus in Great Yarmouth on its maiden voyage Photo: George Ryan (Image: George Ryan)

'A lot of people do not leave the holiday camps these days. When kids see the bus hopefully they will nag their parents to have a ride on it.

'Kids want to ride a double decker. When they see an open top they want to even more.'

He added: 'They'll then be encouraged to get off and out and about. I really do think Great Yarmouth deserves to have an open top bus and it's good to see one back.'

Mr Speed said the double decker is specially adapted from an older bus, as it is difficult to build brand new open top buses now because anti-discrimination laws require wheelchair accessibility.

It is painted in the traditional blue and cream livery of Yarmouth corporation buses.

The service will run from the Vauxhall Holiday park, to Great Yarmouth train station, the Market Gates bus station, the Sealife Centre, the Britannia Pier and the Seashore Holiday Centre before going back on itself.

Holidaymakers Fiona and Tony Dean and daughter Ella, who are from Hertfordshire, were the first family to ride on the service.

Mum Fiona, 46, said that it was a good experience for tourists.

'It's a lovely idea to get an open top to have the proper view rather than being shut inside.'

PR manager at First, Ady Culpin, said it would be a boost for the town.

'It's a draw not just for tourists but also local people,' he said.

There will be eight services a day on the hour from 10.06am, departing from the Vauxhall holiday park and then an early service at 9.45am at the Seashore Holiday Centre.

A family ticket costs £7.50 and a single from the town centre to the seafront costs £1.50. Normal bus tickets can also be used on it.

Do you have any memories of the old open top buses in Great Yarmouth? Call reporter George Ryan on 01493 847954 or email george.ryan@archant.co.uk