New easy-access buses are to be used in the Hambleton district.

Abbotts of Leeming will take over the bus services 80 and 89, which run from Northallerton to Stokesley and Coulby Newham, via Romanby, Brompton, Osmotherley and Hutton Rudby, from Sunday.

Two wheelchair accessible, low-floor buses have been bought by the company.

The services are funded by North Yorkshire County Council as part of a contract worth approximately £400,000 over three years.

The buses will continue to operate to the same timetable, although Abbotts is issuing 20,000 leaflets to inform passengers of the company's involvement.

They are available at libraries, tourist information centres and other local outlets.

Residents of areas served by the buses will receive a copy next week.

The county council's executive member for environmental services, John Fort, said: "The award of this contract re-affirms our commitment to provide quality, easily accessible bus services on key transport corridors across the county.

"We will continue to work with bus operators to ensure that the public of North Yorkshire receive improved bus services as part of our delivery of the local transport plan."