THE Hereford to Hay-on-Wye bus route has been renamed the ‘Hay Ho Ho Ho!’ for the festive period.

Ian Davies, operations manager at Yeomans Canyon Travel, decided it would be good fun to bring some Christmas cheer to regulars on the 39A Sunday service.

He said: "The Hay Ho! bus is about making bus travel more fun so I decided to change the destination blind in the run up to Christmas to bring a smile on the face of our passengers."

Hay Ho Ho Ho! will be operating every Sunday in December and then continues throughout the New Year running every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

The route was saved by community group Hay Ho! Supporters earlier this year after council cuts threatened its continued existence.

The Hay Ho! 39A bus is operated by Yeomans Canyon Travel on behalf of the Hay Tourism Group, and in partnership with the Herefordshire Ramblers and Rail for Herefordshire.

Anna Heywood, of Hay Ho! Supporters, said: “If people want to get away from the crowded shopping streets then a trip out to Hay-on-Wye will bring rich rewards as many shops are open on Sunday with lots of lovely gift ideas as well as cafes and pubs.

“The bus offers three hours or all day in Hay which is just right. Concessionary pass holders travel free and we even have a family day ticket too.”

Timetable information is available at www.herefordshire.gov.uk or by emailing bus39a@gmail.com

For additional information about Hay Ho! contact Les Lumsdon at Rail for Herefordshire on 01584 877588 or e mail leslumsdon@hotmail.com