People living in Sharlston, Crofton and Streethouse can now use a new, trial, demand-responsive bus service.

Working with WakeyBus Community Transport, Metro is funding the Ring & Ride service to help local residents overcome the problems caused by the introduction of a weight restriction to the bridge on Cow Lane, Sharlston, in late 2011.

A daytime service, between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday, has been funded for eight months, while an evening service, between 8pm and 10pm Monday to Saturday, has been funded for 15 weeks. The service will connect residents with local facilities such as the Medical Centre and Children's' Centre as well as restoring links between Crofton, Sharlston, Streethouse and as far as Normanton.

To book the Ring & Ride service, passengers should call WakeyBus on 01924 274400 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Bookings should be made at least one hour before travelling, and no earlier than one week in advance.

Fares are £1.50 single, £2 return. As this is a Community Transport service, English National Concessionary Travel passes, MetroCard or other pre-paid tickets cannot be used.