RESIDENTS and visitors who use public transport in the Yorkshire Dales can now get discounts with nearly 50 businesses in the national park.

Shops, cafes, bed and breakfasts and museums are all offering savings for bus and train users.

The Dales Bus Discount scheme has been launched by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the Yorkshire Dales Joint Promotions Initiative.

National park authority project officer Iain Mann said: "The scheme has been designed to be simple to use for both businesses and customers.

"Each participating business decides on the discount it will offer and customers simply show their valid bus or train ticket to take advantage of the offer - and that's it.

"It's an easy way for both public transport users and businesses to benefit, and to help protect the environment at the same time by reducing the number of car journeys in the Yorkshire Dales."

Mr Mann now wants to encourage more businesses to join the scheme.

"It's early days yet, but the take-up has been very encouraging," he said.

"Now it's up to bus and train users to keep their eyes open for the window stickers and to use the scheme."

A list of participating businesses is available at www.traveldales.org.uk/dalesbus. Businesses can join the scheme by calling Mr Mann on (01756) 752748.