A PROJECT aimed at radically improving access to the county town's busy hospital for patients and visitors has been completed.

Buses will start to use the new bus shelter within the grounds of the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, from Monday, October 27.

North Yorkshire County Council, in partnership with the South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, announced the completion of a £60,000 scheme this week.

Access to the shelter near to the hospital's main entrance and accident and emergency unit has been made available with the provision of a road from the hospital on to Bullamoor Road.

Launching the project, county councillor John Fort said: "The provision of bus services and associated waiting facilities at the Friarage Hospital is another initiative to improve access to essential services for people without their own transport.

"It will be useful for both staff and visitors, but will be most welcomed by those people who have difficulty walking to and from existing bus stops in Northallerton High Street."

The county council has also financed the start-up of a new bus service, the Friarage Flyer, which will operate on weekdays between Masham, Well, Carthorpe, Exelby, Leeming Village and the hospital.

Other bus services operated by Arriva North East to Bedale, Abbotts to Stokesley, John Smiths to Thirsk and Dales and District to Richmond and the Northallerton Estates will also serve the site.