A NEW rural bus service is to begin in the region.

The Hawes area village bus will provide a Monday-to-Saturday service connecting the town to trains at Garsdale station.

At other times, the bus will make journeys between Hawes and surrounding villages, including Apperset, Hardraw, Simonstone, Sedbusk and Burtersett.

The service is being launched following a successful bid by the county council to the Government's rural bus challenge competition.

Councillor John Fort, the county council's executive member for environmental services, said the service would provide vital links for local residents, as well as valuable connections for visitors to the area.

He said: "I am 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 will be operated by Harrogate District Community Transport, using a 14-seat mini-bus with wheelchair access.