Free weekend bus travel announced for August

People can visit attractions including Bradgate Park using a free service on Saturdays

People are being offered free bus travel on new routes across Leicestershire during weekends next month.

Selected services will include journeys in Melton Mowbray and Market Harborough on all Saturdays and Sundays in August.

Some routes operating on Saturdays only will be available to places including Leicester city centre, Loughborough, Hinckley, Coalville, Uppingham and Oakham In Rutland.

Leicestershire County Council said the new services aim to improve access to local amenities, attractions, country parks and leisure destinations.

Charles Whitford, the council's lead member for highways and transport, said: "This is a brilliant opportunity to travel completely for free in August and try out new and improved bus services in your area.

"There is also the added benefit of cutting pollution and helping improve air quality in Leicestershire."

Services that will be free at weekends in August include all MC services in Melton Mowbray and all HC services in Market Harborough.

A total of 16 LC bus services and all zones on FoxConnect on-demand buses, will be free on Saturdays in August.

The LC6 service between Coalville and Hinckley will only be free on 30 August.

The county council said the initiative was available to every passenger, with no age restrictions.

People can visit attractions including Bradgate Park, Twycross Zoo, Fosse Park, Gates Garden Centre and 1620s House and Garden.