GETTING into Skipton from Eastby has been difficult for people of late - particularly if they don't have their own transport.

But all that has changed now that a free service has been organised after much lobbying by Embsay with Eastby parish councillor Frank Corr.

Since April, untold numbers of letters and phone calls have been made, which finally secured funding to run a minibus twice a week.

But Coun Corr's diligence in securing the service could be a double-edged sword - he has also had to volunteer his own services as a driver.

"I didn't mind offering really as long as it meant getting the service up and running, but it will mean having to take a course," said Coun Corr.

The service is being provided by the Craven District Rural Transport Partnership, and 25 per cent of the cost of the fares is being met by the parish council.

The service picks up twice a week in Eastby, outside the Mason's Arms on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9.45am and 11.30am.

The bus will also pick up anyone along the route if they flag it down.

Until Coun Corr completes his driving course, the bus is being driven by voluntary driver Sophie Pattani.

The service is currently free, but from March when a custom-built bus is to be brought in for village use, there will be a regular bus service charge.

"There are a lot of people in Eastby who perhaps do not have a car of their own and for whom the service will be a great help," said Coun Corr.