VISITORS to the North York Moors can now use the Moorsbus service to explore the area.

The service is expected to be well used as more than 90 square miles of moor is opened to the public under new countryside access arrangements

Operated by Yorkshire Coastliner and Arriva, the Moorsbus will ferry walkers and visitors to and from the moors and round the newly opened area.

Bill Breakell, the National Park's tourism and transport officer said: "In addition to making the new access right easier to enjoy - including for those without a car - using public transport will also help protect and preserve the area from some of the problems which increased private cars bring, such as pollution, congestion, accident risk and overall damage to the environment."

He added: "This year's services give access to large areas of the moors and operate every Sunday and bank holiday Monday to the end of October.

"In addition, services through the main moorland areas will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June to September, and all services will run daily during the school holidays.

"Many of our regular users wish to explore new areas and the open access over areas such as Levisham Moor will be very appealing."

The Moorsbus service means walkers can do a linear walk as opposed to having to go on a circular route to return to a car.

To find out more on the Moorsbus contact 01845 597000 and details on the open access land is at www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk.