FREE bus pass schemes could be rolled out across the Tees Valley, exceeding Government standards.

Councils are to consider whether a pensioners' free bus pass project could cover the whole area from next year.

All five authorities - Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Hartlepool - are to meet bus operators to discuss the possibility of extending a Government scheme, to be introduced on April 1.

At present, it would only cover journeys within the boundaries of individual councils.

All councils will have to offer pensioners free bus travel from 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and bank holidays.

But Stockton Borough Council, like its neighbouring authorities, is keen to improve on the national minimum, if practicable.

A meeting of cabinet members on Thursday gave approval for officers to open negotiations on a scheme that could provide cross-boundary travel throughout the Tees Valley.

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton council's cabinet member for development and regeneration, said: "This is something that we would very much like to achieve, but it remains to be seen whether it is a possibility.

"We would also like to extend the scheme to all times of the day, but it will hinge both on our discussions with the bus companies and on the views of each of the councils."