A BUS firm is making important changes to fares for young people starting on January 2.

Following representations from parents and young people, Harrogate and District Travel, which operates services throughout the Harrogate district, is extending half fare entitlement to all secondary school children under 16.

Students, between 11 and under 16, will benefit from the half fare move by producing a Young Persons Supersaver costing £2, valid for a year.

The saver passes are available at the company's customer service centre at 20A Station Parade, Harrogate, or by post, writing to Freepost H&D for an application form. Applicants need a passport-sized photograph.

The company, which has services in Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Leeds and Boroughbridge areas, as well as Harrogate, also announced that children up to the age of three and under five can travel free. Children aged between five and ten can travel at half fare.

Meanwhile, the company points out that students aged 16 and over could be entitled to financial help with travel costs. Information is available from North Yorkshire County Council's education department.

* The Countryside Agency has withdrawn funding for the subsidised Sunday service between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge with the last buses on January 11.

Harrogate and District Travel said removal of the service will have no effect on the Monday to Saturday service for route 24.