A NEW taxibus service starts in the Thirsk area on Monday in response to public demand.

It complements similar runs between Borrowby and Knayton and Northallerton and Thirsk.

The taxibus will be operated by North Yorkshire County Council in partnership with Dales Taxis Northallerton. It will run every Monday from Felixkirk, Boltby, Thirlby, Sutton under Whitestonecliffe, Kilburn, Balk and Bagby to Thirsk Market Place.

Places must be booked in advance by 9.30 on the day of travel by calling 01609 772295 and leaving a name and pick-up point.

The taxibus leaves Thirsk at 10.15, with the following approximate times: Felixkirk 10.15; Boltby 10.20; Thirlby 10.25; Sutton 10.30; Kilburn 10.40; Balk 10.45; Bagby 10.50 and Thirsk 11.05.

Return journeys are from Thirsk at 1.30 or Tesco at 1.25.

Fares set by the council are: Thirsk return £1.25; Thirsk single 82p; children half the adult fare.

A spokesman for Dales Taxis said: "This is an important service to rural areas, but we will have to see how much it is used."

A wheelchair vehicle is available on request. The service will run every Monday, except if that day coincides with Christmas Day or New Year's Day.

Existing services serve Borrowby and Knayton to Thirsk on Mondays and Borrowby and Knayton to Northallerton on Wednesdays.