Bus pass holders can now enjoy free travel on a community bus service connecting west Dorset villages to the town centre.

Dorset Community Transport’s PlusBus service to and from Bridport is now accepting national bus passes from this month.

A spokesman for Dorset Community Transport said: “We are delighted we can now accept the bus pass on our PlusBus services.

“We hope this long-awaited development will make our services even more accessible to individuals in the communities we serve.”

The Bridport A service runs to and from the town every Wednesday, starting in Thorncombe from around 9am and stopping at Drimpton, Broadwindsor, Bowood, Stoke Abbot, Salway Ash and Dottery. The return journey leaves West Street at 12noon.

The Bridport B service also runs every Wednesday, starting from Catherston Leweston from around 10.30am, stopping at Wootton Fitzpaine, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Ryall and Symondsbury. The return journey leaves Bridport at 1.30pm.

The Bridport Friday service starts at Maiden Newton at around 9.15am and goes through Toller Porcorum, Powerstock, Askerswell, Uploders and Loders. Morrisons can be served on request and the return journey leaves at 12.30pm.

PlusBus provides transport for both young and old people who are unable to easily access transport, including those with mobility difficulties. To use the service, passengers must register their details then pre-book a seat whenever they wish to use the bus. A fixed return fare costs £6.

For more information and to book a journey, call 01258 287980, email dorset@ectcharity.co.uk or visit ectcharity.co.uk and click on the Dorset link.