THREE thousand volunteers are being sought to trial new smart cards which could revolutionise the way people access public services.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has teamed up with Bolton Council to trial the new card.

Initially, people will be able to use it on the 225 bus service, operated by Lancashire United between Clitheroe and Bolton.

The card will be swiped over a sensor as the passenger gets on the bus, allowing the driver to know if the person is entitled to a concessionary discount.

People will also be able to buy credit on the card for bus services - rather like a mobile phone top-up card.

From next year, people will also be able to use the card to get into leisure centres in both Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen, and also as a library card in both borough's libraries.

The two councils are the first in the country to use smart card technologies to access leisure services and a local bus route across two boroughs. In Blackburn with Darwen it will be an updated version of the Beez card - which can already be used by people to access leisure facilities in the borough - while in Bolton it will be the 1,2,3 card.

Coun Dorothy Walsh, executive member for leisure at Blackburn with Darwen, said: "Working with Bolton and Lancashire United will mean we can offer certain residents easy access to excellent leisure and transport facilities across both boroughs with just the one card."

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "We are delighted to be at the forefront of this new technology to demonstrate smart cards and smart ticketing

"The council is totally committed to improving public transport, and these smart cards will save people having to carry change when they can top up once every so often."

Duncan Allen, commercial director for Lancashire United, said: "We are delighted to be taking part in this trial in close partnership with the two councils.

"Route 225 was the natural choice to test the benefits of the technology."

People who would like to help in the trial should contact 01254 708080, with signing up sessions taking place at Blackburn Library and Darwen Leisure Centre.