A POPULAR bus service from Durham to the Lake District is to be axed, depriving many of day trips and holidays to the area.

For several years, the X85 has run from Durham bus station to Kendal every Saturday, from late May until late September.

Setting off at 9.20am, it follows a route through Weardale to the Lake District, making several stops along the way.

Among its regular passengers are hikers, families, and those unable to drive through old age or disabilities.

Now, despite its popularity, Arriva, which runs the service, has decided to discontinue it.

Tony Elton, 67, from Witton Gilbert, near Durham, who regularly uses the service, said he learned of the decision by chance.

He said: "I rang to ask if, this year, they would consider starting it at the beginning of May and keep it going until October, and they said 'you will be lucky if it is running at all'. I felt terrible.

"As a composer, I get inspiration from the scenery, and several of my pieces were inspired on that bus.

"It's just marvellous for me."

Mr Elton, who is disabled, has poor eyesight, and does not own a car, said he would be unable to enjoy regular trips to Bowness.

He said many others would be similarly deprived: "The bus holds 30 to 35 people and last season, it was almost full every Saturday I went on it.

"The last time I went on it, at the end of September, there were more people than places.

"When people start inquiring about it, quite a lot are going to be devastated."

Mr Elton said he was baffled by Arriva's decision. "Arriva has admitted that it is not a financial issue," he said.

Arriva North-East's managing director, Steve Noble, said: "Arriva North-East has decided to concentrate on providing services within our region during the summer months, rather than providing links between our region and other parts of the country.

"While we recognise that a few individuals may feel they do not benefit from this decision, we believe it is in the majority of our customers' interests."