A NEW bus service is just the ticket for village youngsters to join in after-school activities in Durham.

The Vital Village Bus Link enables children from West Rainton, Sherburn, Pittington and Shadforth to travel to Belmont Comprehensive School on the outskirts of the city for activities including drama sessions.

The Shadforth, Pittington and Sherburn (SPS) Parishes Transport Project won funding from the Countryside Agency's Parish Transport Grant.

The link enables children to take part in activities then get home for free to villages not on a direct bus route.

Initially, it provided two journeys on Tuesday evenings but an extra journey was added as more than 30 young people wanted to use it.

Local county councillor Raymond Pye said: "An Ofsted inspection report highlighted the difficulties young people from the four areas had in accessing extra activities at Belmont.

"Since then, the four parishes, Durham County Council, Durham City Council and the school have worked together to solve the problem.

"We are also looking to the future to expand the scheme so that all residents of the villages can get to venues where no public transport is available."

Durham city councillor John Bowman, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: "I'm delighted that the SRB6 community team has been able to build links with the county council, local parishes and the school to bring direct benefits to young people in the areas."

Patrick Howarth, headteacher of the school, said: "This is a brilliant initiative. One of the main barriers to students taking part in after- school activities has been transport home to villages.

"By providing free transport, it means all students can take part in the wide range of activities we offer.

"Up to 30 students a night are making use of the transport.

"This has enabled us to set up a drama group and we hope to build on this next year with dance and other activities."

To expand the scheme, volunteers are needed to drive buses and to act as escorts. Full training will be given.

Anyone interested in helping should telephone Mr Howarth at the school on 0191-386 5715, for more information.