THE community group which runs the Moorsbus in the North York Moors has announced its plans for the year.

Services will start on Friday, May 3, and then operate every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until September 29, a longer season than in 2018.

Bill Breakell, from the Moorsbus, said: “We’re delighted that since the community interest company stepped in to save the much-loved Moorsbus in 2014, we’ve managed to increase our services year on year.

“This year we’ve got more and better connections, with the routes being largely as in 2018 in response to passengers’ requests.”

The buses will also make more calls at railway stations, including Malton, Thirsk, Northallerton and Danby - more than 50 station connections each week.

Working with other community groups, Moorsbus has managed to raise the funds required to operate services from a wide area including York, Darlington and Saltburn.

“Thanks to lots of hard work and donations from individuals, as well as parish councils, small businesses and other bodies, we’re able to connect scores of towns and villages in the rural area – often providing them with their only bus service,” added Mr Breakell.

The aim of Moorsbus is to re-connect locals and visitors with the North York Moors, helping those who live here to get to shops and services, as well as visit friends and relations without the need for a car. For visitors – whether from the UK or overseas – the buses give access to the National Park and inject thousands of pounds into the local business community.

The new timetables and other information are available online at moorsbus.org, while printed timetable booklets will be distributed in this month.