A SCHEME has been launched to encourage passengers to give up their seat for those less able to stand up on a bus ride.

The initiative, Ask Me For My Seat, has been set up by Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company and Metrobus with a view to helping the disabled, elderly, pregnant or injured get from A to B.

Passengers can buy the £1 badge from various travel shops.

From each sale, 75p goes to the Argus Appeal, which helps those in need in the community.

The hope is the badge will instil confidence in passengers who do need a seat to speak up.

BBC newsreader Nicholas Owen, who is a patron of the Argus Appeal, has thrown his support behind the scheme.

He said: "I'm so happy and pleased to be involved with it."

The scheme is also about opening up the debate on giving up a seat, and those behind Ask Me For My Seat hope that, even if a badge is not bought, seeing the collection boxes will encourage people to think about giving up their seat next time.

Martin Harris, managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses, said: "Ask Me For My Seat is about going back to the good old-fashioned values of courtesy and community.

"We are hoping to raise awareness for our fellow passengers and make journeys easier for members of our community.

"Even if people don't want to wear a badge, just buying one is a great way to support the campaign and make a small donation to a wonderful charity."

Elsa Gillio of the Argus Appeal said: "What a great initiative from Brighton and Hove Buses.

"Those of us who use the buses very often see people who could do with a little bit more consideration from others.

"We hope this initiative will make people a bit more concious of those around us."