FAMILIES keen to get out and about during the summer holidays will be able to take advantage of a bus service from next week.

The 402 Badger Bus, operated by Stagecoach Hartlepool, in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council, will link various parts of the town, Newton Bewley, Billingham and Stockton to destinations including Castle Eden Walkway and Billingham Beck Valley.

It will operate tomorrow, for the Castle Eden country fair, and then Monday to Friday, from Monday to August 27.

Prices are £1.50 for a Family Day Rover ticket, covering two adults and three children, £1 for an Adult Day Rover, 50p for a Senior Citizen Day Rover and 50p for a Child Day Rover, aged five to 15.

Children under five, and holders of blind people's passes, travel free. Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

Timetables have been distributed to schools, and are also available from Hartlepool council buildings, and from Stagecoach.