CUPID cut-outs have taken over the windows of Stagecoach buses in Swindon which is all part of a Valentine’s themed competition for passengers.

For the whole of February, bus users in the town are being encouraged to take a snap of themselves with the heart-shaped cut-outs to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

By sharing the photo @StagecoachWest on social media using the hashtag #StagecoachValentine, passengers could win a day's hire of their Vintage Routemaster bus, weekly or monthly travel passes or a Valentine's basket full of goodies.

Orlaith Palmer, marketing manager for Stagecoach West, said the competition and promotion is the perfect combination to a romantic filled Valentine’s.

She added: “Couples love to get out and about over Valentine’s weekend, whether they’re going for dinner and drinks or to the cinema, and we want to remind members of the local community to stay safe and use public transport if there’s a chance that they may be drinking alcohol. Drink driving is a serious offence and is not worth risk, to yourself and others.

“We’re getting some fantastic entries through for the #StagecoachValentine competition that we’re running and love seeing all of the pictures that are being submitted. The competition doesn’t close for a few more weeks and we’re hoping that many more passengers will get involved.”

The competition closes on February 29 and winners will be contacted on Twitter on March 1.

Passengers are also being encouraged to take advantage of a reduced price fare over this Valentine’s Day weekend where with Evening Rider ticket (after 6pm) until Sunday, passenger’s partners can travel for just £1.

This move is part of a wider safety campaign that the bus operator is undertaking to keep the roads safe, in collaboration with The Road Safety Partnership.

The evening rider typically begins at 7pm and normally costs between £2.20 and £3.20, but over the Valentine’s weekend it will come into effect from 6pm to fit around people's plans and the times when they may be heading out for dinner or drinks.

The promotional Valentine's Evening Rider ticket can only be used in conjunction with a valid Evening Rider ticket.