PASSENGERS can sample a new bus service in upper Wensleydale free for a week from Monday.

The service for the Hawes area was launched on Tuesday, following a successful bid by North Yorkshire County Council to the Government's Rural Bus Challenge competition.

The Village Bus will provide a Monday to Saturday service, connecting with trains at Garsdale station throughout the day. At other times it will offer circular journeys connecting Hawes to surrounding villages, including Apperset, Hardraw, Simonstone, Sedbusk and Burtersett.

Coun John Fort, the county council's executive member for environmental services, said: "I'm delighted that we are able to offer such a valuable and flexible service to people in the Hawes area. I hope they will make good use of it."

The service is operated by Harrogate District Community Transport using a 14-seat mini-bus with wheelchair access. It is provided in partnership with the Upper Wensleydale Community Office in Hawes, where timetable information is available. For further information, contact the operator on 01423 526655.