A DALES bus service has been saved from closure after gaining sponsorship from a Yorkshire firm.

The Wensleydale Flyer, a Sunday and Bank Holiday service popular with residents and tourists alike, run by a not-for-profit subsidiary of the Yorkshire Dales Society, was due to cease operating after funding ran out.

Supporters and volunteers resorted to crowdfunding to finance the last two months of 2016 – but thanks to sponsorship from Acorn Stairlifts, it can continue to run from Northallerton to Hawes.

The plight of the Wensleydale Flyer was brought to the attention of Acorn Stairlifts by its design studio manager, Emma Slater. She said: “I rely on public transport to get everywhere, so when I read about the lack of funding for the bus I really wanted to explore how we could help.

"We’re constantly working towards giving people greater independence and my colleagues agreed it would be the perfect fit."

Upper Dales councillor John Blackie said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the support of Acorn Stairlifts which has secured the future of the Acorn Wensleydale Flyer serving the public on Sundays and Bank Holidays. It is of enormous value to the local communities I represent, visitors to the Upper Dales and the local economy of our surrounding villages.

“Our team of fundraisers did a sterling job of safeguarding the service for the last few months of 2016 and now we can look forward to a bright future for this essential service throughout 2017 and beyond. There are many residents who rely on this bus to carry out their daily chores.

“Without a car, access to Northallerton, Leyburn and Hawes is almost impossible, leaving locals vulnerable to isolation. As it covers some of the most beautiful countryside in the county, it is also cherished by tourists.”

For more details of DalesBus and its services www.dalesbus.org, and for more about Acorn Stairlifts visit www.acornstairlifts.co.uk.