CHEAP-RATE travellers are being reassured that they will not be hit by new national standards.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is informing its 14,000 concessionary travel scheme members that their benefits will not be jeopardised when the rules are introduced later this year.

The authority's sche-me currently offers travel at a flat rate of 30p for a £12 annual fee. Now the Government is asking all councils to offer free scheme membership and half-price travel.

Council leader Dave Walsh said: " I can give a categorical pledge that nobody will be worse off as a result of the new national standards.