BUS users are being invited to air their views on local services at a surgery.

Bus operators, transport managers and campaigners are inviting residents to a surgery at Peterlee Bus Station, on Friday.

The event, the first of its kind in the town, takes place from 10am to 3pm, when representatives of Arriva, Go North East and Durham County Council will be available to answer queries and take comments.

The event has been organised by the county council, the East Durham Rural Transport Partnership and Bus Users UK, the national organisation campaigning for better bus services.

Phil Tonks, from Bus Users UK, said: "It is important that users of buses in East Durham can meet and chat with the people that provide the local bus service.

"Some people aren't keen on a formal meeting, so we hope that this kind of event will encourage individuals to have their say on their bus services while they are out and about in the town."

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, the county council's cabinet member for transport, said: "The county council spends more than £3.5m each year subsidising bus services, and it's very important that we hear people's concerns."

Martin Shier, district manager for Arriva, added: "Customer feedback is important for all bus operators and we are delighted to be supporting this event."