A SPECIAL bus service will run later this week in a bid to ease the difficulties of Christmas shopping for people with mobility problems.

The service will take people from across Weardale into Stanhope for a farmers market, craft market and late shopping hours on Friday.

The access bus festive service, known as the Santa Special, in addition to the regular service offered to people in the dale. It is open to all Weardale Access Bus members and will call at all the pick up points in Weardale, as well as Crook, Tow Law, Sunniside and Stanley Crook.

The bus will arrive in Stanhope for around 5.30pm and leave at 8pm.

Seats must be booked in advance, before 11.30am on Friday, by calling Karen Muse on 0191-386 7148.