Stagecoach has painted one of its buses bright blue and has the words The Key to the Door - the name of St Michael's Hospice's new campaign - in huge letters across the side of the vehicle.

The route 26 bus, which travels right passed the St Leonards hospice, will operate throughout May and is aimed at raising local awareness of the fundraising drive.

The hospice is hoping to raise more than £3million to fund improvements to its services and develop the existing buildings in order to help support more people.

Astec Computing and Hastings Round Table are also lending a hand by sponsoring the bus.

St Michael's Hospice spokesman Charlotte Clifford, said: "The bus is literally a fantastic vehicle for raising the profile of The Key to the Door Campaign as it will catch the attention of thousands of people.

"We're incredibly grateful to Stagecoach, Astec Computing and Hastings Round Table for making it possible for us to benefit from such an exciting and effective opportunity."

Paul Harding, manager of Stagecoach in Hastings, is delighted to be able to help raise awareness of the campaign. He said: "Buses are just like moving billboards.

"With a route which runs right past the hospice into the town centre, there couldn't be a more appropriate way to show our support."

Phil Astell, managing director of Astec Computing - a long-time supporter of St Michael's Hospice, said: "Having been involved with the hospice for some years now, it's great to be able to give support at the beginning of such a landmark year and to help raise awareness of its 21st Anniversary Appeal."

Chairman of Hastings Round Table, Dale Seymour, was equally happy to help. He said: "Round Table is centred around creating opportunities to become involved in raising much needed funds in the local community, so we're proud to support an organisation that cares for hundreds of people across Hastings and Rother each year."