A company boss is driving extra trade to his tourism venue after unveiling a new free shuttle bus service.

Eastern Daily Press: Dippy's Splash Zone at Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure. Pic: ArchantDippy's Splash Zone at Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure. Pic: Archant (Image: Archant)

The service was trialled last week to great success and now the friendly dinosaur mascot, Dippy, has got onboard with the scheme too.

Dippy, along with company director Adam Goymour, was on the bus which has been put on thanks to the support of Broadland District Council's business support team and First Eastern Counties Buses.

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Eastern Daily Press: Dippy's Splash Zone at Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure. Pic: ArchantDippy's Splash Zone at Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure. Pic: Archant (Image: Archant)

The new bus service comes following research by the attraction after the main season in 2018 which identified a need to improve the arrival of its customers and create a safe and affordable option for visitors without cars.

Mr Goymour said: "We are really excited to have partnered with Broadland's business team on the Roarr! Dino Bus project, as the new bus service will enable local families to travel to and from the park at no expense.

"We all know how important family time is and the bus will give everyone a chance to experience a fun day out without the need for a car."

The dinobus will run seven days a week from Monday, July 29, and Sunday, September 1, from Norwich railway station to the attraction's admissions office.

The busiest time of year for the park is August when on average 60,000 people visit.

Mr Goymour said fewer than 1pc of visitors use public transport to get to the site.

"We are trying to improve that."

Passengers can use the 40-minute bus journey on a first come, first served basis.

It will start at Norwich railway station and pick up at Castle Meadow (stand CV); Norwich bus station (stand E); Charles Square on Dereham Road; Lidl supermarket on Mile Cross Road; Hellesdon Hospital on Drayton High Road; The Cock pub in Drayton; Fakenham Road and Cypress Close in Taverham; and Fakenham Road and Beech Avenue in Taverham.

The dinobus will leave the railway station and theme park at 8.55am and 10.25am, Mondays to Saturdays. On Sundays it will leave the station at 9.25am and 10.55am. It leaves the park at 3.30pm and 5pm Monday-Sunday. Visit www.firstgroup.com/roarr