THE first passengers have boarded a new bus service to remote villages in the Yorkshire Dales.

The new scheduled service is an extended route for the Swaledale Shuttle and takes in Keld and Reeth connecting to Richmond and Catterick Centre.

It is operated by the Upper Wensleydale Community Partnership using a team of volunteer drivers supplemented by some part-timers.

The service started its first day with a brand new minibus funded by North Yorkshire County Council and carried 35 people.

The Upper Wensleydale Community Partnership running the now extended Little White Bus Swaledale Shuttle was awarded the Reeth route as the most cost-effective operator.

“The county council is looking for the most cost-effective ways of maintaining transport connections to our market towns from the rural hinterland,” said a spokesman.

“Community transport can provide tremendous value for money and the necessary flexibility, supporting the authority as it seeks to tackle issues of rural isolation.

“This new bus route will help people in the Reeth and Keld communities to access necessary services and leisure facilities in Richmond and Catterick Centre so we are very pleased to see it launched.”

Little White Bus operations manager Walter Head added: “The Swaledale Shuttle offers an essential service by connecting some of the most remote communities in all England with the distant market towns and shopping centres.”