CHEAPER bus travel is soon to be on offer to more people in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire.

From April 1, men over the age of 60 are able to join the district council's bus pass scheme.

In the past eligibility for the scheme had been linked to pensionable ages - 60 for women and 65 for men - except for disabled people.

However, Hambleton has been one of the many pressure groups from across the UK to call on the Government to change the legislation to allow men earlier access to the scheme.

The council's scheme was set up in June 2001 and has already seen more than 6,800 passes issued.

They entitle users to half-price travel on local bus services starting and finishing anywhere in North Yorkshire; reductions at any time except 6am to 9am Monday to Friday; reductions on park-and-ride services; carer's passes for blind and partially-sighted people.

Application forms can be downloaded from the transport section of the council's website, www.hambleton.gov. uk, collected at any council office or Age Concern; or sent out by contacting the authority, on (01609) 767080.

Completed forms must be brought or sent to the Civic Centre in Northallerton, together with proof of age, address and (where necessary) disability.

Men aged 60 or over on April 1 this year can apply for their pass now, although it will not be issued until next month.