Ilkley’s foremost supporter of rural public transport and the countryside is urging people to use summer DalesBus services which run from this bank holiday weekend.

Colin Speakman, of Ilkley, is managing director of the Dales and Bowland Community Interest Company, which manages the DalesBus scheme.

Summer timetables on the services, linking West Yorkshire with the Dales, begin this weekend, and will run every Sunday and Bank Holiday through the summer season, until October.

Buses will run from Ilkley and Skipton to North Yorkshire destinations including Bolton Abbey, The Strid, Embsay, Malham, Grassington, Kettlewell, Buckden and Hawes.

The service will offer extra-fast afternoon buses between Ilkley and Skipton.

Mr Speakman said: “Last year was a brilliant year for DalesBus with a near fifty per cent increase in passengers.

“Thanks to support from Metro, North Yorkshire County Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park we are able to offer better services this year.”

DalesBus Ramblers will be offering free guided walks every week, linking in with the bus services.

Concessions travel free on all DalesBus services and MetroCard holders can have a free day out in the Dales on the MetroConnect DalesBus from West Yorkshire whilst students pay just £5.

DalesBus timetables are available from libraries, staffed railway stations and tourist information centres.