COUNCILLORS have agreed to extend a popular free bus travel scheme for pensioners and people with disabilities.

From April, Hartlepool residents who are 60 and over, and the disabled, have been able to travel free on buses throughout the former Cleveland county.

Previously, they had only been able to travel at half-fare within Hartlepool, and also to parts of Middlesbrough and Stockton on certain services.

Hartlepool Borough Council's cabinet has agreed to continue funding the scheme in the next financial year, after being told the initiative has brought impressive results.

The number of journeys made by bus pass holders from Hartlepool soared to more than 1,000,000 in the seven months since April, up more than 42 per cent on the same period last year.

More people have also joined the scheme, with 1,700 new bus passes issued between April and October.

Councillor Victor Tumilty, cabinet member for culture, leisure and transportation, said: "The expanded scheme went far beyond the Government's basic requirements, and I am delighted that it has yielded such excellent results.

"Bus travel is a vital lifeline for older people and the disabled, especially for those who have to travel to hospital appointments outside Hartlepool, and I am delighted that we are able to support people in this way."

The fares scheme will cost the council about £1.3m this financial year, for which the council received extra money from the Government.