A BUS firm is backing an art trail which is raising money for end-of-life care. 

First Wessex has teamed up with Weldmar Hospicecare’s Stampede by the Sea art trail, which is taking place across Bridport, West Bay and Lyme Regis in the spring of 2025.

The bus company's Jurassic Coaster routes X51, X52 and X53 will serve the trail, allowing an easy way for people to enjoy it car free. 

The trail will feature 30 elephants, each designed and painted by artists.

First Wessex runs 15 bus routes across the county and the partnership will encourage visitors to use the bus to enjoy the trail, as a sustainable easy way to travel. 

James Eustace, First Bus South’s commercial director, said: “Working as transport partner for Stampede by the Sea further cements our commitment to the communities we serve in Dorset. We’re proud to be supporting Weldmar Hospicecare in the vital work it does, through this exciting trail.  

“Working together, we want to encourage people to choose the bus as their preferred method of travel, supporting people where they can, to use public transport to access Stampede by the Sea art trail.” 

READ: Weldmar Hospicecare Stampede by the Sea art trail

Weldmar provides specialist end of life care for local adults with a life limiting illness, and support for their loved ones and the art trail will help raise important funds needed to allow the service to continue across the region.

The charity is expecting to spend a million pounds more on services this year than it expects to raise through traditional fundraising and its charity shops.

Caroline Hamblett, Weldmar Hospicecare CEO, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have First Wessex 'on board' as our transport partner at Stampede by the Sea. 

"The Stampede by the Sea art trail, with all these brightly coloured elephants, is a unique and exciting way to raise awareness of the work of the charity in the west of Dorset, as well as raising vital funds to allow us to provide this care.  

“The support of the local business community will be absolutely fundamental in making it a success.

"It's going to be big, fun and exciting - just like the iconic Jurassic Coaster bus, which we've all seen driving along the coastal roads of Dorset. 

"We look forward to it bringing significant numbers of people into the area to follow our amazing art trail."