PARK and Ride buses in Maidstone have not been decorated this Christmas for the first time in 10 years.

For the past decade, children from Maidstone primary schools have adorned the buses with festive decorations.

But this year Maidstone council, which organises the decorations, decided the festive tradition has run its course. Instead, it is focusing its resources on a celebration of the centenary of public transport in Maidstone, which is due to be held next summer.

The announcement disappointed pupils at Detling Primary School, which was regularly involved in decorating a bus.

School secretary Jean Wilkins said: "We were very disappointed. The children always thoroughly enjoyed being involved. They used to love spotting their bus around town."

Council spokesman Ian Tucker said: "We're sorry that some passengers have missed the decorations but we felt that the idea had lost its impact after so many years."