PASSENGERS have been left angry and disappointed after a summer bus service to the Lake District was cancelled.

Arriva North-East's Loftus to Kendal X95 service made return trips on Saturdays, with extra runs during the holiday period.

But the firm wants to use the resources to strengthen its other routes.

However, one regular user of the X95, Dennis Gilligan, from Darlington, said: "We don't think they should be withdrawing it, because we think there is plenty of use for it.

"There are a lot of people disappointed that it's not on now."

But Arriva North-East managing director Steve Noble said: "Every year we review our seasonal operations and this year it was decided that the X95 from Loftus to Kendal could not continue to operate and those resources would be used to strengthen services from Teesside to Whitby and Scarborough.

"Arriva North-East is fundamentally a local bus operator and needs to concentrate on providing journeys within our region which are of a high standard and of benefit to more customers.

"I recognise the disappointment experienced by the few customers who used to travel to the Lake District and apologise that we are no longer able to offer this service.

"A minibus or coach company may be better placed to consider offering such a journey.