A new shuttle bus serving Durham's famous peninsula was launched yesterday.

The peninsula, home to the cathedral and castle World Heritage Site, is to become a £2 toll road in the next few weeks.

Durham County Council, which is behind the scheme, launched The Cathedral Bus, linking the city's car parks, bus and railway stations with tourist attractions on Palace Green.

A council spokesman said: "It has been steady all day.

"We have not got passenger numbers for the first day but it seems to have got busier through the day.

"Word about the new service seems to have got around and it has gone without a hitch."

The Cathedral Bus runs every 20 minutes until late afternoon, every day. Journeys cost 50p, 25p for pensioners and children under 14 - and Explorer North-East tickets can be used.

The two 14-seater Optare Alero buses on the service are easily accessible for people in wheelchairs or with prams and buggies.

The toll is due to start in late September or early October and is designed to halve the 3,000 vehicles that currently use the narrow roads past Market Place.

Further details of the bus service are available from Traveline, on (0870) 608 2 608.