AN innovative transport scheme designed to help the elderly and disabled become more mobile has been extended to cover Weardale.

The Access Bus scheme, run by Durham County Council and the British Red Cross, picks up passengers who have difficulty using public transport from their homes.

The extension of the bus route means all rural areas in the county are covered.

The bus calls once a week at Crook, Stanhope, Eastgate, Ireshopeburn, Wolsingham, Hill End, Westgate, Wearhead, Rookhope, Frosterley, Crawleyside, St John's Chapel and Cowshill.

Users can make shopping trips to Durham, Darlington or Bishop Auckland.

The bus also takes people into the dales once a week from Crook, Willington or Tow Law.

To use the service residents must be a member of the Access Bus scheme. Registration costs £1 and passengers can book a place by contacting County Durham Care.

To register contact coordinator Karen Muse on 0191-386 7148