A BUS service that runs between Bradford and Leeds is set to become 24/7 - the first in the region to do so.

First Bus' 72 service provides a vital mode of transport for those wanting to travel to and from the third and tenth most populated cities in the UK.

With places like London offering night services for commuters, many have been frustrated that this has yet to come to West Yorkshire.

From September 1, this will no longer be the case with the changes to the 72 service.

Journeys will be added in the late evening and early hours and operate seven days a week.

First Bus says the 24-hour connectivity "aligns well with mayoral commitments to give focus to the safety of women and girls".

Kayleigh Ingham, Commercial Director for First North & West Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to be preparing the launch of the first 24-hour bus service in West Yorkshire on our 72 route running between Leeds and Bradford.

“It has always been a high frequency route for us, and we are now investing further in our network to build on the success we have seen on this route while ensuring the best possible service for our customers.

“This 24-hour service will benefit all sectors of the local economy and society, helping to support the nighttime economy, shift working and leisure and hospitality markets. Safety is our top priority and we believe this 24-hour connectivity aligns well with mayoral commitments to give focus to the safety of women and girls.

“The bus is one of the cheapest, most convenient, and sustainable ways of travelling in North and West Yorkshire.”

Pudsey Ward Councillor Trish Smith took to Facebook to present a letter she had received from First Bus.

It read: "I am writing to inform you of some important service changes we are introducing from September 1, as we continue to develop our network to best meet the needs of customers.

"Our 72 service operating between Bradford and Leeds will become the first 24hr bus service in West Yorkshire.

"This is being achieved with journeys added in the late evening and early hours, which will operate seven days a week.

"This builds on the success we have seen on this travel corridor, where there has been a combined frequency of seven to eight minutes together with the express X6 service since extra buses were introduced in May.

"This 24hr service will benefit all sectors of the local economy and society, helping to support the night time economy, shift working and leisure and hospitality markets.

"Safety is our top priority and we believe this 24-hour connectivity aligns well with mayoral commitments to give focus to the safety of women and girls.

"Seven other services have been reviewed and re-timed using the specialist scheduling software we have invested in, to support better prediction of journey times throughout the day. These are the 16, 47/47A, 65, 74, 75 and 86.

"This will mean some timetable adjustments to allow for peak periods, which we believe will give more accuracy for customers to plan journeys and which will improve further bus service reliability.

"Full details of the changes will be published on our website from Friday, August 2 together with communication to customers."