A popular Sunday bus service to Wharfedale has been given a reprieve.

The Cravenlink service had been faced with the axe because of funding difficulties.

But financial support from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has meant that the 784/884 service between Skipton and Ilkley will continue throughout the winter months.

The service has been running on a trial basis since April and was due to come to an end this month.

However, thanks to the new funding it will continue until Easter.

Colin Speakman, of the Yorkshire Dales Society, which is backing the project, said the service was proving to be a real success.

He said: "With so many regular passengers now using and depending on the service, we felt it was essential to keep the service running during the winter months."

The service between Embsay and Bolton Abbey has also been extended. Buses will now take the back road via Eastby, Halton Heights, Barden Scale and the Strid to Bolton Abbey.

The Yorkshire Dales Public Transport Users Group has also welcomed the news but added that the group would like to see Metro and North Yorkshire County Council make a financial commitment to secure its long-term future.

Cravenlink is a two-hourly service. For bus times go to www.dalesbus.org/cravenlink.