RESIDENTS of a Darlington village are set to benefit from the introduction of a community bus service.

The Tees Valley Transport Brokerage Project, managed by Tees Valley Rural Community Council, has arranged for a small minibus to be available for residents of Brafferton, on the northern outskirts of Darlington.

The bus has 12 to 15 seats, including provision for a wheelchair, and residents will be able to decide on its destinations and pick up points.

The first planned journey took place on Tuesday from Brafferton village hall to Morton Park, and future destinations are up for discussion.

These could include Darlington town centre, Newton Aycliffe or a major supermarket.

Providing the service is popular it will continue to run every Tuesday up to December 16, with another service on Monday, December 22., however, it will be scrapped if there is not enough support for the bus.

The first journey was funded by the Transport Brokerage to allow village residents to try the service for free, but subsequent journeys will be funded by passengers who will form the ‘Brafferton Shoppers Group’.

To become a member of the group, contact 01642-213852 to book your seat on the bus.