A new on-demand bus service has been launched that will cover scores of towns and villages in north Suffolk.

The first 'Suffolk Links Hoxne Area' service will begin on Monday, which is sponsored by Suffolk County Council and will be operated by Halesworth Volunteer Centre.

The 'demand responsive' vehicle will carry passengers to and from the market towns of Halesworth, Eye, Framlingham, and Debenham. It will also serve the villages of Aspall, Ashfield-Cum-Thorpe, Ashfield Green, Athelington, Bedfield, Bedingfield, Blacksmiths Green, Brundish, Brundish Street, Cretingham, Dennington, Earl Soham, Horham, Huntingfield, Kenton, Laxfield, Monk Soham, Occold, Redlingfield, Rishangles, Saxtead, Saxtead Green, Southolt, Stradbroke, Tannington, Thorndon, Wilby, and Worlingworth.

The 11-seater bus will operate between 7am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday and is fully accessible to people with disabilities. The price of a journey will be equivalent to that of a normal bus fare, with concessionary passes also accepted.

County Councillor Guy McGregor, portfolio holder for roads and transport said: 'Customers will be able to organise their own journeys by speaking personally to experienced public transport operators. They will no longer have to rely solely on timetabled public transport which might not meet their requirements.'

Contact Halesworth Volunteer Centre on 01986 875600 between the hours of 10am and 1pm from Monday to Friday. Or visit www.suffolkonboard.com