A SCHEME which helps people with mobility problems get out and about is expanding.

Almost 1,600 people across County Durham are now registered with Durham County Council's Access Bus.

The service provides regular links to popular destinations, including the Arnison Centre on the outskirts of Durham, the MetroCentre at Gateshead, Sunderland's Bridges shopping centre and Darlington town centre.

The bus collects passengers from their homes at an allocated time and return journeys are made at a set departure time.

This week, the Access Bus began a route to give residents of outlying villages in Derwentside a link to Consett and Stanley town centres.

The South Derwentside Access Bus Link will run every Thursday, with pick-up points at East Hedleyhope, Esh Winning, Cornsay and Satley.

Durham County Council rural transport officer Steve Lockwood said: "The Access Bus scheme caters for people who have difficulties getting out and about and is becoming increasingly popular as word spreads.

"This new route will open up the area to even more people and is another step in our aim to combat social exclusion.

"The service is crucial, in ensuring people with mobility problems can retain a level of independence.''

The Access Bus is restricted to members, but registering is easy and costs just £1. A nominal charge is made every time the service is used.

The only qualification is that passengers must have some form of genuine mobility problem. This covers anything from having difficulty walking, being a wheelchair user, having a sensory impairment, breathing problems or problems getting to a local bus stop because of illness.

Passengers can travel with an escort who does not need to be registered with the scheme.

Anyone wanting more information is asked to call Karen Muse on 0191-386 7148.