YOUNG people in two villages can access more fun by the pound, thanks to a new bus service.

The Activities Bus has been running as a ten-month pilot in Thornley and Wheatley Hill.

The minibus service can take up to 14 youngsters to a destination of their choice, costing £1 each for a return journey.

Now, it has secured a Countryside Agency Parish Transport Grant and support from Thornley and Wheatley Hill Parish Councils to keep it on the road.

Stephen Metcalf, East Durham Rural Transport Partnership officer, said the bus had already taken young people to places such as South Shields, Newcastle's Centre for Life, kart racing at Dunston, and Silksworth ski slope.

"The project combines a flexible service that can be booked at short notice with a low cost, affordable fare," he said.

"It means that young people can access leisure facilities that they wouldn't normally be able to get to because of a lack of suitable transport, or because the cost of getting there is too expensive."

The service is only available for 11 to 16-year-olds from the two villages and can be booked at any time to go anywhere in the North-East.

Bookings require that a responsible adult to travels with the group.

For more details, contact Maurice's Taxis on (01429) 882209.