A BUS service set to be cut back because of low passenger numbers has been saved thanks to the offer of public funding.

Durham County Council and Nexus, the Tyne and Wear transport executive, will support journeys made by the 71 between Chester-le-Street and Houghton-le-Spring on weekday evenings and on Sundays.

The service, which links and Chester-le-Street and Sunderland, is known as The Lambton Worm and is operated by Go North East buses bearing a distinctive image of the legendary creature immortalised by the folk song.

The company was going to withdraw some evening services and the entire Sunday timetable on the leg of the journey between Chester and Houghton.

The changes, which would have taken place this weekend, would have left the service operating only between Houghton and Sunderland.

A spokeswoman for the company said: " The services were threatened because of low passenger numbers.

"But they will continue as long as the funding is in place thanks to Durham County Council and Nexus. It is good news for our passengers in the Chester-le-Street area.’’ For passenger information And timetables visit the website www.gonortheast.co.uk or call 0845 60 60 260.