A NEW bus service linking the North-East with Cumbria hits the road next week.

The 574 will make its first run between Barnard Castle, County Durham, and Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, on Monday.

The service will go via Bowes and Brough, but will also call at the Otter Centre, near Bowes, and North Stainmore on request to the driver or by pre-booking with the operator.

It will link up with Arriva services 75/76, which will run between Darlington and Barnard Castle. In Cumbria, it will connect with the Stagecoach services 563/564 running to Penrith and Kendal.

The service will be operated by Hodgson's Coaches, of Barnard Castle, and is being jointly funded by Durham and Cumbria county councils.

The new Monday to Saturday connecting service between Darlington, Barnard Castle and Kirkby Stephen will replace the current through service between Darlington and Brough operated by Stagecoach.

It will also offer an additional morning journey each way.

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, Durham County Council's lead cabinet member for travel and transportation, said he believed the new service would be well used by local passengers and tourists wanting to cross the Pennines.

"The extra morning journey and its ability to call at the Otter Centre and North Stainmore are welcome bon-uses," he said.

Journey times are available by telephoning the Public Transport Group at Durham County Hall on 0191-383 3337, and bookings can be made by calling Hodgson's Coaches on (01833) 630730.