A community bus linking Otley to its surrounding villages will go into action next week.

Villages including Askwith, Farnley and Arthington will benefit from the new service and schoolchildren going to Otley's after school club will go by bus rather than walk to the Cross Green club.

In addition, the specially-bought 20 seat low floor minibus will help commuters getting into Leeds via Holt Park and will also be available to community groups to use in the evenings.

Part of Metro's £962,000 Transport for All project, it has taken more than a year for the service to get off the ground because of a long consultation with interested groups and because of difficulties getting an operator.

But with the service about to start along with a leafleting campaign aimed at telling people about the service, it is hoped it will be a very popular service.

Metro chairman Councillor Mick Lyons said: "It will provide people in Otley and surrounding villages with vital much needed links and access to the main public transport network," he said.

Coun Clive Fox, chairman of the Otley and Wharfedale Community Involvement Team (CIT) welcomed the service but stressed it must be well used if it is to survive.

"I'm sure everybody welcomes the fact that finally we have got there. But I am very anxious that people should make good use of it.

"I would hate to see it running three quarters empty.

"The bus will be able to carry out a very useful function, especially to outlying villages."

The new vehicle will be available for use by other community members in the evenings and on Sundays on a pre-booking basis. It will also offer wheelchair access and a parcels and prescription carrying service.

A peak-time service, meanwhile, will run from Otley to Holt Park and link into the main services to Leeds.

Pupils from Westgate Primary School will from next week be driven to the All Saints Out of School Club in Cross Green for the first time since it started in 2002 rather than having to walk.

Club leader, Cath Speight, said she was looking forward to the new set-up - especially during the winter months. "It's fantastic to have use of the bus.

"It will make a huge difference to the kids - they are very excited about it.

"It was alright when they were walking in the summer, and when we were based at All Saints, in Bridge Street, but now they have to walk through the centre of town in all that traffic and miserable weather."

The arrival of the bus will also mean ASOOSC staff member Margaret Lane can take a well-earned rest after leading the walking bus in all weathers since September 2002. The service will be operated on behalf of Metro by Aztecbird.

Metro staff will be in Otley Market Square on Monday and Tuesday with the Metro Information trailer to give out timetables and answer any questions about the new services.