DRIVERS in Darlington can hang up their car keys and use the bus free for a day as part of a new scheme.

Bus company Arriva is linking up with Eco-Schools, Europe's largest environmental programme for children, to launch a one-day car amnesty on November 13.

Arriva will be offering free bus tickets to regular car users who register the car journey they would normally make on a hotline.

The company will make a donation to Eco-Schools, a group which encourages children to walk or use the bus to get to school, for each registered car user.

Steve Noble, managing director of Arriva North East/Northumbria, said: "As part of our 'Going your way' campaign we are encouraging people to consider whether some of their regular car journeys could just as easily be made by catching the bus.

"While there will always be a place for the car in many people's transport requirements, a huge environmental benefit could be achieved through reduced air pollution if people switched from car to bus for just a few of their journeys."

Sue Nelson, director of marketing for Eco-Schools, said: "It is not about abandoning cars for good but considering the number of options that can be just as convenient and considerably more environmentally friendly."

Car users in Darlington wanting to take part in the Car Amnesty can register their details on 0121 3624070.