AN expanded bus service is aiming to reduce congestion in one of England's most scenic landscapes.

A fleet of coaches and minibuses will begin operating in and around the North York Moors National Park every day from Sunday.

The park's bus services were set up to provide access to the park for people from Teesside who did not have a car.

But now motorists are being encouraged to leave their cars for the day and take the bus.

Park transport officer Bill Breakell said: "During the next six weeks, the North York Moors could see almost two million visitors spending a day in the park, with more than 90 per cent of them coming by car.

"The Moorsbus network provides visitors with a real travel choice at an affordable price.

"Last year, half the passengers had chosen to leave their car parked for the day and get on the bus, even if it was the first time in years they had used public transport."

The park has produced tailor-made journey plans suggesting routes for all the major attractions.

Bus tickets include discounts for admission to castles and museums, on the cost of cycle hire and on the price of food and drink.

More information on the bus network is available from (01845) 657426 or (01287) 660654.