SUMMER is officially on its way with the start this weekend of the DalesBus network in Wharfedale and Malhamdale.

Sunday and Bank Holiday buses to Gargrave and Malham are back for the summer – buses on Cravenlink service 884 leave Skipton at 10.45am, 12.30pm and at 3.30pm; returning from Malham at 11.45am, 2.50pm, and at 4.40pm.

Sunday buses to Wensleydale are also back, with DalesBus 875 running to Kettlewell, Buckden, Aysgarth and Hawes every Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter Sunday, April 17.

The buses leave Grassington at 11am and at midday, with connections from Skipton at 10.30am and 11.30am on DalesBus 72.

Return buses leave Hawes Wensleydale Creamery at 2.20pm, and 4.30pm, both with connections in Grassington back to Skipton.

There are also minor changes to DalesBus 59, running between Skipton and Harrogate on Saturdays, from the Easter weekend. All journeys will leave Skipton Bus Station five minutes later, now departing at 10.45am, 12.45pm, 3.45pm and at 5.45pm. Buses will no longer call at Millstones.

The services are managed by the Dales and Bowland Community Interest Company, which aims to improve sustainable access to the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

A spokesperson said: "There’s no need to book in advance to enjoy a day out – tickets are available from the driver. Dales Rover day tickets are £10 for adults and £18 for any group of up to two adults and three children. Concessionary bus passes for the elderly and disabled are valid, with £1 single fares available to under 19’s too."

Further details are available online at www.dalesbus.org and in a new spring timetable booklet available from Skipton Library, Skipton Visitor Information Centre and other local outlets.