A PIONEERING bus service for late-night drinkers in Southampton has been hailed a success.

Around 250 revellers climbed aboard the Nightlink service during two nights last weekend, following the launch of the three-month trial scheme by Southampton Itchen MP John Denham.

It costs just £2 to get a lift home on any of the buses, which run between midnight and 2.30am, have pick up points outside several key city nightspots and drop off in areas across the east and west of the city including Bitterne, Millbrook and Thornhill. All of the buses are equipped with security cameras and there's a direct link to police and a guard on board in case of any trouble.

The scheme was launched on Friday night outside Yates Bar in Above Bar and pocket-sized timetables have been distributed to pubs around the city.

It's also proposed to publicise the innovative scheme on beer mats within the next few months.

The city council's transport chief, councillor Richard Williams, said: "I'm really pleased with the response we had following the launch on Friday night.

"Some of the feedback was staggering and already it seems that the timetables we put in pubs have run out.

"Early indications are showing us that this is going to be a success."

Mr Denham said: "Southampton has a vibrant nightlife and it is important that our city has a nightbus service to provide people with a safe and cheap journey home after a night out.

"I hope that people will use the new Nightlink buses so that this trial service can become a permanent addition to public transport in Southampton.

"This is an excellent example of how community safety is being improved through partnership between the council, police and business community."