A NEW postbus service has been given the stamp of approval by passengers who previously relied on a twice-weekly bus.

Passenger figures have more than doubled since the service started and numbers are continuing to rise.

Transport chiefs decided to change the Masham to Ripon postbus service 18 months ago, to link up with villages which did not have a daily bus service.

Instead of travelling through West Tanfield, the service now runs from Masham via Grewelthorpe, Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Galphay to Ripon and in the opposite direction after it has delivered the post.

North Yorkshire County Council pays any overheads involved with picking up passengers, while vehicle costs are met by the Royal Mail.

County passenger transport manager Richard Owens said: "We knew it must have been working well when no one rang up to complain. Rarely do people ring up if they are happy."

The service was introduced after investment improved the bus link between Ripon and Richmond, leaving the postbus free to take a new route.

When it started in March 1982 the Masham to Ripon postbus was the first in the county.

Postbus services originated in Wales in 1967, spreading rapidly as rural buses were axed. Now hundreds are operating successfully across the country.