PLANS to invest £1.7m in a free travel scheme for pensioners and disabled people in the Darlington area have been unveiled.

The money will be invested over the coming year in a free travel deal that will include thousands of people across the borough.

The Darlington Borough Council scheme will come into effect on April 1 and ties in with the Government's aims to provide free local travel, a policy that was revealed in last year's Budget.

Ministers expect local authorities to provide free bus travel between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, as well as all day at weekends.

But Darlington is preparing to go further by offering free travel all day every day, as well as providing links to Bishop Auckland General Hospital on Arriva services 1 and 1B

Council officials have reached an agreement with local bus operators that will see pensioners and people who are registered disabled allowed to travel for free throughout the day on all bus services within the borough.

At present, pensioners either have to pay up to £90 for an annual bus pass, or pay half-fare for their individual bus journeys.

Alternatively, eligible disabled residents or people over 75 can apply for a £50 book of vouchers, which can be used in Darlington's licensed taxis and private hire vehicles, on the Ring-a-Ride service. They can also be converted into cash for use on local buses.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, welcomed the announcement.

"I am delighted that Darlington can offer a substantial improvement to the Government's scheme," he said. "Older people have told us that they need all-day travel, to get to hospital appointments for example, and not simply after 9.30am.

"There is a cost to the council, but our prudent approach to spending means that it is affordable."

Details of the revamped system are being sent out to existing pass holders and new passes will be issued shortly. The changes will also be advertised in next month's edition of the council's monthly magazine, Town Crier.

Anyone who has not previously had a pass can contact the council on (01325) 388799, or visit the town hall.