THE volunteer-run organisation behind the weekend DalesBus network is celebrating World Car Free Day and Catch the Bus month by promoting its bus services to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.

On Sunday, September 22 towns and cities around the world will mark the day by allowing people to experience streets free of motor traffic.

In the UK, it coincides with catch the bus month. Run by Bus Users UK, the aim is to promote the country's most popular form of public transport, connecting millions of people every day to work, education, healthcare, shops, friends, and family.

Buses can also help to provide access to life's opportunities, especially for people who are older, younger, disabled, or experiencing physical or mental health issues.

They are also great for the environment, the economy, the countryside, and people's health and wellbeing.

To celebrate, the Dales and Bowland Community Interest Company (CIC) - the volunteer-run organisation behind the weekend DalesBus network - is highlighting the bus links into and around the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Paul Chattwood, of the CIC, said: "Many bus services run into and around the Yorkshire Dales throughout the year, including daily buses between Skipton and Grassington, and Cravenlink bus 873 from Skipton to Bolton Abbey on Sundays.

"This year there is an improved service between Skipton and Malham on summer Sundays until October, 20 with buses running mainly hourly throughout the day, together with links from Bradford, Keighley, and Ilkley.

"As part of a national initiative by the Department for Transport, all local bus fares are still no more than £2 per journey. This includes all buses into and around the Dales."

Lydia Horbury, Bus Users' director for England said: "We are delighted that DalesBus is supporting this year's Catch the Bus Month. Buses are accessible, sustainable and affordable, and getting more people on board reduces congestion leading to faster, more reliable bus services. Win-win!"

Details of bus and train services into and around the Yorkshire Dales area are available on the DalesBus website at www.dalesbus.org, with timetable booklets available from many local outlets, including Skipton Railway Station.