A BOROUGH'S pensioners will soon be able to enjoy a free ticket to ride across the length and breadth of Teesside.

An agreement between Stockton Borough Council, local bus operators and neighbouring councils means that, from April 1, concessionary pass holders can travel free, not just within Stockton borough, but, for a one year trial, across Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland borough areas.

In addition, and also for a trial period, the Stockton pass will allow free travel at all times, with no restrictions on weekday mornings.

This latest concession will be reviewed if buses become over-crowded during the morning peak period.

Stockton concessionary pass holders make more than three million journeys a year, which the council subsidises by more than 2m annually.

The council is advising existing passholders that they will not need to replace or renew their passes until they expire in June, despite the new conditions.

The scheme is open to all residents who are over 60, or are blind, or qualify through certain disabilities.

Under the current scheme, which ends this month, Stockton concessionary pass holders pay £5 for an annual pass to travel in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and on key Hartlepool bus services, for a flat fare of 30p.

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton council's cabinet member for development and regeneration, said: "Stockton has always operated one of the country's best concessionary travel schemes, and I am delighted that we can continue to set the pace in this.

"We were keen to improve on the national minimum scheme and get as good a deal for our pass-holders as we could.

"I am very pleased with the success of our discussion with bus companies and neighbouring councils and would like to acknowledge the tremendous co-operation from our local bus operators that has made this scheme possible."

Stockton is introducing its scheme at the same time the Government is introducing a national scheme to allow pensioners to travel free within their own councils boundaries.

The council intends to issue more information over the next two weeks for residents who do not have a pass but require one.