IT'S all aboard for Felixstowe's newest attraction – and a chance to see the resort from a different viewpoint.For the first time in eight years the resort is to have an open top bus sight-seeing tour on its seafront.

IT'S all aboard for Felixstowe's newest attraction – and a chance to see the resort from a different viewpoint.

For the first time in eight years the resort is to have an open top bus sight-seeing tour on its seafront.

Civic and tourism leaders are delighted with the service, which will also connect the seafront and clifftops so that people can get to and from the town centre more easily, and enable people to reach Landguard Fort and Felixstowe Ferry.

The service is being run by Ipswich Buses in conjunction with Citysightseeing, which has lent a red London open top bus for the season.

It was idea of supervisor Steve Ratliff , who yesterday turned driver to show mayor Doreen Savage, town clerk Susan Robinson, ESTA representative Bryan Frost and Ipswich Buses managing director Malcolm Robson the route.

"It is something we have done in Ipswich and I just thought it would be a great idea for Felixstowe," said Mr Ratliff.

"It will be a real attraction for the seafront and enable many people, especially the older visitors, to see parts of the seafront they would not normally be able to reach. I have been taking leaflets to different outlets and the response to the idea has been excellent"

Mr Robson said the bus would initially run on Sundays – starting this weekend – until the end of August plus Bank Holiday Monday August 25, but if there was good interest the company would look at expanding the service.

Mrs Savage said: "I think it is absolutely super – just the sort of thing Felixstowe needs. If we have a sunny summer I am sure it will do really well."

Mrs Robinson added: "I think it's great. I remember taking my children on the open top bus here when they were little and now I am looking forward to taking my new granddaughter on it."

Passengers can take the bus from Ipswich, the start of its journeys on Sundays at 10am, arriving at Felixstowe rail station at 10.31am. It will then tour the resort all day, leaving to return to Ipswich for 5.16pm.

Leaflets are available at a number of outlets, including Felixstowe Town Hall and Tourist Information Centre, and Felixstowe Ferry Café. Details are also available on 0800 919390.