READING BUSES have announced their latest plan to provide free open-top bus tours of town, including Reading's Banksy mural at Reading Gaol.

The tours, first announced earlier today, is designed to help celebrate the town's ongoing reopening this half term.

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Robert Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Reading Buses, said today: “We wanted to find a way to help encourage visitors back to Reading’s excellent town centre, and provide a new reason to visit.

“Having been forced to cancel our annual family open day this year due to Covid-19, we wanted to organise a creative opportunity to raise money for our charity of the year Sport in Mind.

“If people can’t make the tours they can still support the charity by texting SIM2 to 70085 to donate £2 to Sport in Mind.”

The 'Banksy and Two Bridges' tour is to operate on Saturday, May 29, and Saturday, June 5.

Pic: Reading Buses

Pic: Reading Buses

Circular tours will be held every 30 minutes from 10am to 5.30pm, starting on Friar Street outside IBIS Hotel, before driving past Reading Station, Town Hall, The Oracle, Reading Gaol, Reading Bridge, Central Caversham, Caversham Bridge and back.

Passengers can get on and off of this tour service at any time.

Although the tour is free for residents, donations to Reading Buses' Charity of the Year, Sport In Mind.

Neil Harris, CEO at Sport in Mind, said: “The open top bus tour will provide a unique way to view the Banksy mural and perhaps inspire people to come outside and explore the local area.

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“Any physical activity can really help improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems.”

The company says that its dedicated 'Sport in Mind' bus will be used in the event of poor weather.

For more information on Reading Buses, visit www.reading-buses.co.uk/.