MORE than half a million older and disabled people in the North-East will soon be able to take advantage of half-price coach travel, the Government has announced.

The concessions, which start on May 1, will be available to people aged over 60 or those who have a local authority concessionary travel pass because they are disabled.

Coach companies are to receive £10m in Government grants to cover the scheme.

Also from today, men over 60 will be entitled to local transport concessions, including half-price fares on bus services.