Dawkins takes atheist message to buses

Professor Richard Dawkins (pictured), the renowned evolutionary biologist, has put his hand in his own pocket to pay for a series of advertisements on the sides of London buses doubting the existence of God. The ads, the first of their type to appear on London transport, declare: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life". Anti-religious campaigners believe the messages will provide a reassuring antidote to Christian adverts that "threaten eternal damnation" to passengers.

Dawkins, Oxford University's Professor of the Public Understanding of Science, and author of the atheist tract The God Delusion, said: "Religion is accustomed to getting a free ride – automatic tax breaks, unearned 'respect' and the right not to be 'offended', the right to brainwash children. Even on the buses, nobody thinks twice when they see a religious slogan plastered across the side. This campaign to put alternative slogans on London buses will make people think – and thinking is anathema to religion."

Those behind the project, which is supported by the British Humanist Association, are confident that with Dawkins's help – he has said he will match any donations up to £5,500 - they will raise enough money for the adverts to appear on more than 50 double-decker and bendy buses.