CHEAP bus and train travel is on the way for thousands of pensioners and disabled people in the south of County Durham.

From June 1 all councils around the country have to issue free passes allowing half-price fares to all those who qualify.

Six of Durham's seven councils, as well as Darlington, already combine through a county-wide scheme subsidised by the Government and run by Durham County Council.

Now the Wear Valley District is asking residents if they want to opt in and drop their existing cheap travel tokens.

At present Sedgefield Borough Council charges £12 for a concessionary pass. It will decide soon on the terms its permit system will operate under when the Government's Transport Act 2000 comes into force.

The half-fare scheme is open to women over 60, men over 65 and also to adults of any age who are blind or who have other disabilities that affect their mobility.

Under it they are issued with passes carrying a photograph, which can be used on buses in County Durham and to or from Hartlepool, Teesside, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.

The permit can also be used on train services in Durham, Tyneside and Teesside.

All Wear Valley residents who qualify for concessionary travel have been asked for their views this week.

Letters sent out by the district's director of finance Eddie Scrivens outline three options - a cheaper statutory minimum scheme covering just their home area, the countywide permit and an expensive and cumbersome combination of tokens and permits.

Council leader Olive Brown said: "At present people pay £5 for £25 worth of tokens but now we have to give out the passes free it will be beneficial to more people."

A spokesman for Sedgefield Borough Council said: "We currently operate a charge of £12 for our passes that will be dropped. However this has still to go in front of council for confirmation.

"We will then continue to keep the scheme under review over the next year."