A BUS designed to help drunken and distressed revellers is returning to Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park in time for Christmas.

The Basildon Community Safety Partnership – which is made up of Basildon Council, police and other organisations – is funding the SOS bus throughout December.

It will be back and based at the entertainment complex every Friday and Saturday night in December, from 9pm to 3am.

Run by volunteers, the bus offers a safe haven for people who have over-indulged on alcohol, people who have become lost or separated from friends and also offers advice on drug or alcohol abuse.

Malcolm Buckley, Basildon’s councillor for community safety, said: “The Community Safety Partnership is committed to working in partnership to help tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, keeping the local community at the heart of what we do, whileresponding to their needs and concerns.

“The SOS bus will make a real difference to those who need it on a night out, as well as supporting the night time economy and providing reassurance that there is a safe haven available to them.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer on the SOS Bus, contact John Bastin on 07530 265892 or e-mail john.bastin1@gmail.com