NOTICES are being put up in buses across the Darlington borough today informing customers about extensions on passes due to expire tomorrow.

All bus passes operating in the town, including urban, borough and half-fare passes valid until March 31 can now be used until April 30.

Darlington Borough Council has had to push back the date because of problems in processing and delivering the new passes, which should have already have been posted to people.

Gilbert Hemsley, 77, of Wordsworth Road, visited Darlington Town Hall yesterday, concerned he had not received his pass, having already paid £80 for it.

"It should have been done by now. I think they have had ample time," he said.

But a council spokeswoman said the delay has been caused by a large increase in the number of passes being processed.

"Last year we had around 6,000 to print, but this year it has been 16,000 because of the half-fare passes, which are issued every three years," she said.

"There have also been a few technical problems in the printing process."

Bus companies have been informed of the delay and posters are being put up in buses to inform travellers.

Anyone wanting more information can call the helpline on (01325) 388661.