STAGECOACH is riding to the rescue of Darlington estates left without essential bus services.

Arriva is due to axe early morning, late night and Sunday services operating to and from Skerne Park as from Sunday because they are not paying their way.

Other early morning services throughout the town are also affected by the cuts.

But rival Stagecoach has tendered for an emergency council contract to bridge the gap for at least three months.

From Monday until March 31, the following half-hourly services will operate.-

Service 21: Monday to Friday morning. Darlington -Firth moor-Darlington. Saturday morning: Darling- ton-Firth Moor-Darlington-Whinfield-Darlington.

Service 22: Monday to Saturday morning. Darlington-Hopetown-Brinkburn-Faverdale-Bates Avenue-Minors Crescent-Bates Avenue-Brinkburn-Hopetown-Darlington.

Service 23: Monday to Friday morning: Darlington-Clifton-Road-Skerne Park-Clifton Road-Darlington. One additional journey Darlington-Harrowgate Hill-Whinfield-Harrowgate Hill-Darlington. Saturday morning: Darlington-Clifton Road-Skerne Park-Clifton Road-Darlington- Harrowgate Hill-Whinfield- Harrowgate Hill-Darlington. Monday to Saturday evening and all day Sunday: Darlington-Clifton Road-Skerne Park-Clifton Road-Darlington.

Coun Nick Wallis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "These are important services for people travelling to and from work and the council's support demonstrates its commitment to a comprehensive bus network in Darlington."