LANCASHIRE folk are so keen to get out into the Yorkshire Dales that a Sunday bus service is to be increased.

For the last six weeks Burnley and Pendle buses have operated a single decker service between Manchester and Hawes in Wensleydale.

The extended X43 service picks up passengers in Rawtenstall, Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Earby and Skipton.

It has proved so popular that the single decker is to be replaced by one of the company's brand new 74-seater double deckers.

Known as 'Presidents', the £150,000 double deckers are a brand new range of Volvo low-floor, easy access vehicles, introduced to the X43 route last month.

B&P director George Scrymgeour said: "The passenger on the top deck gains a far better view of the landscape than does a car driver.

"The service not only makes the Yorkshire Dales accessible to those who rely on public transport, but also provides an easy and attractive alternative for car drivers to leave their vehicles at home."

The Sunday service has been welcomed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Andy Ryland, transport and visitor management officer, said he was delighted that double deckers were to be used on the service as it gave more people the opportunity to enjoy the area without putting extra vehicles on the road.

The service allows the people of East Lancashire to spend up to six hours in the historic Yorkshire market towns of Skipton, Grassington and Hawes.

It operates each Sunday and Bank Holiday in August and September. Day return tickets at £6 also give unlimited all-day rover travel on the Dales Bus services network, which interlink at Grassington.