In an effort to help its customers stave off the January blues Stagecoach has partnered with a local charity to launch a 'chatty bus' this January, to get people talking.

Stagecoach has partnered with Westbank Community Health and Care to launch the 'Chatty Bus'.

Aisha O'connor Marketing Coordinator of Stagecoach South West said: "The worrying fact of the matter is that on some days our bus drivers can be the only person that a passenger communicates with throughout the course of the day.

"We want to go one step further and encourage our passengers to have more conversations on their buses.

"With loneliness becoming a wide spread issue in society, we are delighted to be able to get involved with our local community.

"We're really looking forward to launching our very own chatty bus to encourage our passengers to have a chat and spread some happiness."

The Chatty Tuesdays will take-off from January 21 until February 25, 10am - 2pm. Chatty Tuesdays will take place on route 57 serving Exeter, Topsham, Exmouth and Brixington.

The team of local volunteers will be climbing on board the 57 double-deckers and will simply have a chat, whether you're a young mum or recently retired the chatty bus has something for everyone.

If you want to get involved go along to the launch event in Princesshay's Bedford Square on Saturday, January 18, between 10am and 2pm for a cuppa and a chat. You'll be able to find out more about the upcoming Chatty Tuesdays, local support and bus advise.

Nina Parnell from Westbank said: "As a local charity we witness on a daily basis the often devastating impact of loneliness on individuals. A simple five minute conversation can and does make all the difference to a lonely person's day.

"The Chatty Bus service will provide a brilliant opportunity for our volunteers to have a friendly chat with people on route and also to provide information to link them into community groups and services which can help to reduce loneliness and isolation."