A new bus route challenging an existing company's popular service between two tourist spots has been axed just six months after it started.

Stagecoach has announced it will be withdrawing the 701 route after bosses discovered it was losing money.

The service was launched as a competitor to Brighton and Hove Buses' 12 and 13 routes between Brighton and Eastbourne - instead taking the longer route via the A27 and Falmer and into Newhaven and Seaford from the north - on May 13 this year.

But just six months and three days after the first bus made the journey, passengers will have to find another way to travel between the destinations after its final journey next month.

Eastbourne Borough Council published the news in its September bus service update. It said the last service will run on November 16.

The reason was listed as: "Stagecoach are withdrawing service 701 from 17 November, due to insufficient fares income from users of the service to cover its cost of provision."

The Argus has approached Stagecoach for comment.