A BIG boost in government funded bus services will open up a new evening service and extended travel to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

A late-night service between Tenbury and Worcester is part of a package of enhancements to improve public transport for people in the Teme Valley.

The service will be operated by DRM Coaches of Bromyard.

The changes to passenger services to and from Worcester are due to come into force in May, and plans are to extend most journeys to and from the hospital.

The evening bus (758) will run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the last departure to Tenbury at 11.25pm from Worcester Bus Station.

One journey will operate to and from Worcester Royal Hospital and the same bus is being used for a new Sunday service linking Tenbury with Worcester with four journeys in each direction.

This service (759) will follow a slightly different route because it will also serve popular tourist attractions like Witley Court and Elgar's birthplace.

During May, the main daytime service operated by Yarrantons, will also be enhanced with the addition of a low-floor, easy-access bus.

Worcestershire County Council won a Government rural transport grant to fund the package and changes will see state-of-the-art, easy-access buses coming into operation.

The new weekday and evening route joins Tenbury Wells with Stockton-on-Teme, Abberley Common, Great Witley, Holt Heath, Hallow and St John's, Worcester.

For further information and details of bus timetables, call Traveline on 0870 608 2608.