A new bus service has started to provide a direct link to Bradford's hospitals for hundreds of elderly and disabled people in the Aire Valley.

Campaigners have been fighting for the introduction of a service to put an end to the daily struggles of those with mobility problems.

Before its introduction, Shipley residents had to catch two buses from Shipley to Bradford Royal Infirmary for more than an hour each way.

But the new First 629 creates the first direct link to the BRI.

It also provides a link between Shipley and Heaton, which Heaton Township Association has been seeking for five years.

Denise Warwick, 49, of Owlet Road, Windhill, was one of the first to get on the bus. Mrs Warwick, who uses crutches after losing three toes to diabetes, said: "This new bus will mean the journey will be a lot quicker for me and lots of elderly and disabled people."

It runs from Crag Road and Shipley Market Place and travels via Bradford Road, Keighley Road and Heaton to BRI. It runs every hour, Monday to Saturday throughout the day. Bradford Teaching Hospitals Patient and Public Involvement Forum started a campaign for the service after surveys revealed access to the hospital was causing inconvenience.

They have been working with Bradford councillors and Metro - the operating arm of the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority - to make the plans a reality. Jenny Scott, chairman of the PPI forum, said: "It is great that in such a short space of time, everybody involved has managed to get this running."

Councillor Stanley King (Con, Heaton), deputy chairman of the passenger transport authority, said: "I'm thrilled that this has happened at last.

"An excellent rail service from Shipley will also provide the opportunity to travel further afield."

Councillor Vanda Green-wood (Lab, Windhill and Wrose) thanked Metro for their assistance.