More bus links will be provided in deprived areas

A total of �2.9m has been allocated to improving bus links in deprived areas of Tyneside, Wearside and Teesside.

The money, from the Urban Bus Challenge Competition, will go towards linking disadvantaged areas with employment, education, health and leisure opportunities.

Among the projects is Hospital Link Hartlepool which will get �730,336 to link the major hospital sites in the Tees Valley through improvement and extension of conventional services.

A new Hospital Shuttle service between University Hospital of Hartlepool and University Hospital of North Tees will also be set up.

Urban bus awards Hospital Link Hartlepool - �730,336 Middlesbrough Flexible Health and Employment Link - �647,203 Driving to a Future - Redcar and Cleveland - �42,750 UCALL - Newcastle - �748,909 Doxford Links UBC - �248,726 Gateshead CrossLink - 'Kickstart' scheme - �522,022

Transport Minister Tony McNulty said many communities would see "real benefits" from the new services.

He said: "Buses are a major link for many people and the schemes which have been awarded funding today will bring real benefits to many communities.

"This year's award-winning schemes range from new or improved bus services to dial-a-ride initiatives."

A total of �19.6m is to be awarded to 40 urban bus schemes across the UK.

Social Inclusion Minister Lord Rooker said he was delighted so many communities would benefit from the Urban Bus Challenge.

"Good bus services play a vital part in creating sustainable communities in which people want to live, work and spend their leisure time," he said.