A BUS route around the Malvern Hills taking in sites of local interest is set to return this weekend - in time for Easter - following its success in previous years.

The Malvern Hills Hopper service operates from Easter Saturday, March 26, until October and runs on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The route takes in places such as Eastnor Castle, the Three Counties Showground and British Camp - a scheduled ancient monument comprising an Iron Age village settlement.

It has been running for several years but has been recently been financed through the Rural Bus Challenge Bid "Malvern Matters" in partnership with the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty office, funding for which runs out in 2006.

The service is operated by Malvernian Tours and initially ran from Easter to the end of August each year but extended to run to October in 2004 and again extends this year as Easter falls early.

The route has also been changed to incorporate Malvern Link in a bid to increase passenger numbers.

The bus has a bike rack fitted and organisers are also looking at extending the route next year to pick up passengers from St John's in Worcester.

Malvern's hoteliers were invited to take a trip on the bus on Tuesday morning to find out more abut it.

"This service is brilliant for visitors to Malvern and all its attractions," said Worcestershire County Council's rural transport partnership officer Michele Jones.

"The hopper takes away the stress of driving, providing a relaxing day out and, at the same time, opens up an opportunity for those without a car."

A copy of the timetable is available from libraries, tourist information centres, hotels, theatres and county council customer service centres or by calling 01905 768415.