A YEAR-LONG project to expand a minibus service has been hailed a success.

The scheme in Leadgate, County Durham, was set up thanks to a National Lottery grant of £5,000 awarded last year by the Social, Economic and Environmental Development (Seed) programme.

The Leadgate Community Tearooms Association's Knock-Knock scheme received the cash to fund a part-time driver, produce promotional materials to encourage people to use the service and to cover costs of the minibus.