Rural communities in west Norfolk are looking forward to being better connected, thanks to a new bus route being added to a community transport scheme.

West Norfolk Community Transport has launched the additional service between Docking, Bircham and King's Lynn as part of its 'Go to town' initiative.

It aims to connect those who need to access Monks Close, the National Construction College at Bircham Newton as well as Anmer, Flitcham and the Tapping House Hospice at Hillington.

Buses will begin next Monday? and can be used by anyone. There is no need to book seats in advance.

At new route's launch, north west Norfolk MP Sir Henry Bellingham said: 'I think this is a really pioneering scheme.

'It is incredible innovative, particularly with its flexibility as a community based project which has been well thought through to meet the needs of villages.'

He added: 'I think it's also important for me to raise the scheme's success in parliament because it could be replicated across the country.'

The added route comes following the success of the route from the Raynhams and Great Massingham to the main road at Harpley where it connects with Stagecoach buses to and from King's Lynn. It also means passengers can get to the direct shoppers' bus to Fakenham.

Funding comes from parish councils, organisations based along the routes, and Norfolk County Council.

Richard Pengelly, from West Norfolk Community Transport, said 'We want to do better for the local communities in West Norfolk, to make life easier for the most disadvantaged, and this is a positive step forward.

'We very much look forward to welcoming customers onto our buses.'

A brand new bus to serve the Docking route should be in use by the autumn.

For more, contact West Norfolk Community Transport on 01553 776971

Have you launched a service for rural communities? Email louise.hepburn@archant.co.uk