THE Sunday bus service to and through the North York Moors is being doubled this year.

Thanks to the backing of its passengers and local parish councils, enough money has been raised to provide two buses for the summer service which starts on Sunday.

In addition to the service from Darlington, Stockton and Middlesbrough to the Moors and Pickering, a new service will link Saltburn, Redcar, Stokesley, Northallerton and Thirsk with Sutton Bank, Helmsley and Bilsdale.

Bill Breakell, of the Moorsbus Community Interest Company, said: “The feedback from last year’s services, together with donations from many individuals has enabled us to connect more communities in the area. This means more opportunities for local people to access services and facilities, or simply enjoy a day in the countryside.”

Last year was the first year of the service after it was saved from by a group of volunteers. This year’s expansion is as a result of many donations from individuals and a number of parish councils, and a grant from the charity the North Yorkshire Moors Association in recognition of the opportunities to improve health through walking.

“It’s been really heartwarming to have such support from people in and around the area, including parish councils and businesses. They recognise the social, health and economic benefits of the bus. This year we hope to introduce newcomers – young and old – to see this area for the first time and for others they’ll be re-connected with the area and its special qualities,” said Bill.

Helen Gundry, of the Friends of Moorsbus, said: “Operating our services will mean that hundreds of people will be able to enjoy the area and at the same time put thousands of pounds into the local economy. Many of our passengers either don’t have a car, or want to undertake linear walks in the Moors. If it wasn’t for the Moorsbus, they’d not have that option.”

Timetables, fares and routes are available at moorsbus.org