CHEAPER bus travel is to be offered to more people in Hambleton.

From April 1 men over 60 will be able to join the district council's bus pass scheme.

In the past eligibility for the scheme was linked to pensionable ages - 60 for women and 65 for men - except for disabled people.

Hambleton District Council has been one of the many pressure groups to call on the Government to change the legislation to allow men earlier access to the scheme. The council's scheme was set up in June 2001 and already more than 6,800 passes have been issued.

They entitle users to half-price travel on local bus services starting and finishing anywhere in North Yorkshire, reductions at anytime except between 6am and 9am Monday to Friday, reductions on park-and-ride services and carer's passes for the blind and partially sighted.

Application forms can be downloaded from the transport section of the council web site at www.hambleton.gov.uk, collected at any council office or Age Concern or sent out by contacting the authority on (01609) 767080.

Completed forms must be taken or sent to the Civic Centre in Northallerton, with proof of age, address and (where necessary) disability.

Men aged 60 or over on April 1 can apply for their pass now, although it will not be issued until next month.