AN extended late night clubbers' 39 bus service to and from Leigh to Manchester city centre has proved so popular it will keep on running.

Transport chiefs have welcomed the news that an average of 1500 passengers a week are using the seven subsidised key services which are at the half way stage of a 10 month experiment.

Since November Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority has been funding a pilot network of late night services on Friday and Saturday nights.

CCTV surveillance operates on the buses and at at all boarding points.

Reports show passenger numbers are increasing and services are safe and secure and hopes are that the trial will kickstart a network of commercially operated night services.s