West Yorkshire commuters are to benefit from a �366,000 government grant to improve urban bus services.

The money - from the Department of Transport - has been awarded to the "On the Way To Work at Junction 31" project run by Metro - the body that coordinates public transport in the county.

The scheme aims to improve the working lives of shift workers in particular by providing a flexible early morning and late night bus service to drop off and pick up employees.

Services will operate in the communities surrounding the Europort Industrial Estate at Junction 31 on the M62 motorway at Normanton near Wakefield.

Major 'boost'

Metro spokesman Councillor Graham Phelps said: "Local and national consultation has shown that a lack of public transport can be a key barrier to people accessing jobs.

"This announcement is a major boost to employment opportunities in the Wakefield district."

Europort currently employs over 3,000 people with this figure set to double with the granting of planning permission for additional office and distribution facilities.

The project will target communities in North Pontefract, Normanton, Sharlston, Castleford, Glasshoughton, Whitwood, Ferry Fryston, Wakefield, Featherstone and Knottingley.