AN early morning bus link is to be established between Masham and Northallerton in response to growing demand.

North Yorkshire County Council has agreed to finance the move following requests from Masham Town Council.

Discussions between the two groups have revealed that there is a demand to help those who already work in Northallerton or who may do so in the future.

The Wensleydale Railway Company will introduce the service on January 2, leaving Masham at 7.30am and arriving in Northallerton 40 minutes later.

The county council is hoping to share the additional cost in the first year with the Harrogate Locality Rural Transport Partnership.

If the service proves to be well used it will be included in the next review of services in the area, in 2003.