AN MP has helped a bus company to launch a service with easy access for all passengers.

Easington MP John Cummings joined Go North-East's Martin Harris behind the wheel of the company's Drifter service at Dalton Park Shopping Centre.

Running from Sunderland to Murton and on to Peterlee, the Drifter is equipped with the latest Easy Access facilities.

All vehicles have a step-free entrance combined with a kneeling mechanism that allows the bus to lower to footpath height for the convenience of wheelchair-users and those with mobility problems.

As part of the service, Go North-East is also offering an Easy Access guarantee for wheelchair users.

Following consultation with passengers and Mr Cummings, the bus company has linked up with taxi firms to ensure that if wheelchair users are unable to be accommodated by Easy Access services, for whatever reason, it will order and pay for a taxi to the bus destination.

Mr Harris said: "We're committed to improving public transport for passengers and believe the Easy Access facilities and guarantee on the Drifter make it one of the best around."

Mr Cummings said: "Improving access to public transport is vitally important for people across the region and Go North-East is working extremely hard to achieve this."

The Drifter is one of Go North-East's new, branded services.

All vehicles have a sand-coloured livery, with a blue Drifter logo.

They operate every five minutes between Grangetown, Ryhope and New Seaham. Buses continue every ten minutes to Dalton Park, Murton, Seaham Harbour, Dawdon and Parkside, with one bus every hour continuing to Peterlee.