A free bus to the shops for pensioners has been taken on by Ledbury and District Community Transport.

The Friday service, visiting both the New Mills and Deer Park estates, was operated by Smith's Motors for about a decade and funded by Ledbury Town Council at a cost of around £4,000 a year.

Smith's used a full-sized coach for the run to Tesco and Somerfield.

But town clerk June McQuaid said: "We felt that, because the bus was not being filled, it was not really best value and so we looked for alternatives. But we think it is a valuable service, absolutely, for elderly people and the less abled."

As from Friday, April 1, the service is run by Ledbury and District Community Transport, using mini-buses, not full-sized coaches.

The two mini-buses used in the run both have a lift facility, to enable people who have difficulties with steps to board and alight.

Mrs McQuaid said the cost of the service had been halved to around £2,000 a year.

Rosemary Speck, spokes-man for the new operators, said: "I think it's a valuable service and the people who use it really appreciate it."

On Friday's run, over a dozen passengers benefited. Each mini-bus can take 14 passengers at any one time.

The timetable is: 10.40am Martins Way roundabout; 10.45am top of Deer Park, 10.50am Somerfield supermarket; 10.55am the War Memorial; 11am Tesco; 11.05am Langlands; 11.10am New Mills; 11.15am Little Marcle Road; 11.20am Oakland Drive; 11.25am Somerfield; 11.30am War Memorial; 11.35am Tesco.

Return journey: 12.40pm Somerfield; 12.45pm War Memorial; 12.50pm Tesco; 12.55pm Martins Way roundabout; 1pm top of Deer Park; 1.10pm Somerfield; 1.15pm War Memorial; 1.20pm Tesco; 1.25pm Langlands; 1.30pm New Mills; 1.35pm Little Marcle Road; 1.40pm Oakland Drive.

Information is also available from Ledbury Town Council, Church Lane, or the Community Voluntary Action offices at Salters Yard (01531 636333).