A bus service launched next week is expected to boost job opportunities by linking industrial estates.

The 160m service will connect Middlesbrough, Osmotherley, Northallerton and Thirsk to industrial estates at Northallerton, Thirsk, Dalton and Melmerby. It will also make other stops along the route as requested.

Hambleton and Richmondshire Rural Transport Partnership has joined forces with John Smith Coaches to provide the service.

Until now, the Dalton and Melmerby industrial estates had not been served by public transport, which led to complaints from many employers, agencies and people seeking work.

It had caused recruitment problems for employers and stopped people without their own private transport from gaining employment at these sites.

It is hoped the new service will overcome this problem, as it provides one early morning and one return evening service.

It will operate from Monday to Friday throughout the year, leaving Middlesbrough town centrre at 6.30am and returning at 6.10pm.

"We hope this new service is used not only by people without cars but those with cars," said rural transport partnership officer Kevin Holt

"They will be able to save on travelling costs, take away the stress of driving and help the environment."

The service is part financed by the Countryside Agency for its first year.

Other partners include the Hambleton and Richmondshire Rural Transport Partnership, Hambleton District Council, North Yorkshire County Council, Tees Valley Rural Transport Partnership and Northallerton JobCentre.