BUSES will run for the first time ever on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day for people in Blackburn and Darwen - free of charge.

The 346, 50 and 51 services will run without charge in the afternoons to cater for people who may be without transport during the festive period, especially those who want to visit relatives in Queen's Park Hospital or Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

And in order to help families with prams who may need wheelchairs to get about, buses operating on the 346 route will have low floors for easy access.

The skeleton service will run every half hour with the first 346 service leaving Blackburn at 12.30pm. Buses will run every half an hour until 5pm. The 346 will run as far as Darwen Cemetery.

The 50 and 51 services run along the Outer Circle route through Intack, Shadsworth and Roman Road and past both hospital

Michael Morton, the managing director of Blackburn Transport, said: "I am delighted that we are able to provide this service for our local residents.

"This shows our on-going commitment to providing quality bus services in and around Blackburn and Darwen."

Coun Andy Kay, chairman of regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Christmas can be a difficult time for people separated from their relatives and friends and it can be expensive to find alternative modes of transport.

"Thanks to Blackburn Transport people will be able to get around during the holidays this Christmas for free."

For full timetable information contact the Travel and Information Centre on 01254 681120.

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