FREE passes to leisure services will be offered to passengers on a new bus route this weekend.
Passengers can travel free to mark the opening day of the new South Derwentside Link 767 service, launched this Saturday.
Their bus tickets will also entitle them to free admission to some special events in Stanley and Consett.
For one day only, the Louisa Centre in Stanley will accept the ticket as entry to its Play Zone for youngsters aged up to eight, plus free badminton and short tennis. Belle Vue Swim Centre, Consett, will offer a free swim.
In addition, the Asda store in Stanley is offering a free cup of tea or coffee this Saturday to anyone who produces a 767 ticket.
The service was set up by Durham County Council and Derwentside District Council, through money from the European Single Regeneration Budget and the Neighbourhood Renewal fund. The cash has paid for a new 14-seater bus for the service, which will run from Monday to Saturday.
The service runs between Stanley and Consett, calling at a number of villages on the way including Burnhope, Langley Park and Lanchester.
Chris Graham, the county's rural transport officer, said: "We are planning to pilot it for six months. If it is successful, we will operate it on a permanent basis."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article