Pudsey hits the road with Stagecoach South

Stagecoach South is helping to spread a little extra colour and cheer across Portsmouth and Havant this November, as its specially decorated BBC Children in Need bus takes to the roads ahead of this year's fundraising appeal.

The eye-catching bus, which features the charity's much-loved mascot Pudsey Bear alongside his iconic colourful spots, is now in service on Stagecoach's Route 23, travelling through Portsmouth and Havant.

The bus has been specially transformed to celebrate BBC Children in Need 2026, with its bright and colourful design helping to raise awareness of the charity and its work supporting children and young people across the UK.

Passengers and local residents are being encouraged to keep an eye out for Pudsey as the bus makes its way through the city in the lead-up to the BBC Children in Need appeal show on Friday 13 November.

The transformation has been made possible thanks to the dedication of colleagues at Stagecoach South's Portsmouth depot, with the local Engineering team playing a key role in bringing the colourful design to life by applying the specially created graphics.

Marc Reddy, managing director of Stagecoach South said: "We're delighted to see our Children in Need bus back out on the roads, bringing a splash of colour and a familiar face to Portsmouth and Havant.

"Pudsey is such a recognisable symbol of the fantastic work BBC Children in Need does, and we're proud to play our part in raising awareness of this year's appeal.

"A huge thank you must go to everyone at our Portsmouth depot, particularly our Engineering team, whose hard work and support have helped bring this year's bus to life.

"We hope the bus brings a smile to passengers and everyone who spots it on their travels, while reminding people of the importance of supporting children and young people who need it most."

BBC Children in Need is one of the UK's best-known charities, raising money to help children and young people overcome challenges and thrive. Through funding local charities and community organisations across the UK, it supports projects that make a positive difference to young lives.

The annual BBC Children in Need appeal brings communities, businesses and individuals together to raise vital funds, with Pudsey Bear at the heart of the campaign.

Stagecoach South's Children in Need bus will be travelling on Service 23 through Portsmouth and Havant, giving passengers and local residents plenty of opportunities to spot Pudsey on the move.