RESIDENTS are being urged to apply for a new bus pass after changes have been made to vital village services.

The new-style evening and Sunday bus services are on the way for people in to the west of Stockton, thanks to funding through the borough council.

The changes, starting on Sunday, mean that users of the service must hold a special pass, which is available free to travellers to and from the villages.

And English National concessionary pass holders can also use the off-peak services, known as the Village Link.

People in Stillington, Thorpe Thewles, Whitton, Bishopton, Carlton, Redmarshall, Elton or Long Newton are being urged to sign up for the new passes.

The extension of the service sees Stockton Council running its own bus services for the first time in 41 years and will be using buses which normally take residents to the boroughs social care facilities.

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Councils cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said: "I am delighted we have been able to keep this essential local lifeline running.

"We have introduced an innovative way of working, which means we can make the best use out of vehicles we already own, but it does need passengers to sign up to a special pass before travelling."

For the Village Link service, the council secured the funding to operate from the Governments Community Bus Challenge.

The service also takes in University Hospital of North Tees but cannot stop between the Horse and Jockey and Stockton town centre as these are served by other buses.

The white Village Link vehicles will operate an hourly circular route linking the villages with Stockton High Street and the hospital on Mondays to Fridays from 6pm - 11pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm - 11pm.

For a trial period the flat rate is 1 per adult and 50p per child per journey, with concessions free with a valid pass.

To register for a pass or find out more information call 01642-527159 or e-mail john.howe@stockton.gov.uk