A NEW park and ride scheme has been launched to make it easier for Christmas shoppers to get into Blackburn town centre.

The service will run from the car park at Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park ground every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, until December 24.

Shoppers will get six hours of parking and a bus ride into town for £1.50.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "This is the first time a park and ride service has been operated within the borough. It runs every 15 minutes throughout the day, from 8.55am until 2.55pm.

"The service offers really good value for money and is a great boost to travel for Christmas shoppers.

"Pressure on car parking spaces in the town in the run up to Christmas can be great but thanks to park and ride drivers don't need to spend valuable time in a queue of traffic.

"They can get on a bus and get off in a convenient place, get on with their shopping and then go back to their car in a completely hassle-free way.

"I would like to thank Blackburn Transport and Blackburn Rovers for their work with us on introducing this scheme." Plans were also on the table to create a permanent park and ride at Ewood.

The Council has now teamed up with Blackburn Transport to provide a free Christmas Day service on the number 1 route, Darwen Cemetery to Blackburn return; number 4A, Blackburn to Highercroft circular, and 5A and 5C, Intack, Billinge, Infirmary, Queens Park.

Services will run from lunchtime until teatime on Christmas day.

They will also be running on bank holidays throughout the festive period, including New Year's Day, along with the 8C service between Shadsworth, Audley and town, and 22 service between Mill Hill, Leyburn Road. The services will all cost £2 or £1 for concessions.

For more details, contact the travel line on 0870 6082608 or collect a timetable from the Blackburn Visitor Centre, Church Street, or Darwen Town Hall.

The park and ride bus drops off at stand H on Blackburn Boulevard.