THE annual summer park and ride has been launched in Bridport.

The joint scheme between Bridport Town Council and West Dorset District Council is operating between the town and West Bay during the school holiday on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The shuttle service runs from the main West Bay Road car park to the Spar shop, East Street, approximately every 20 minutes. The first bus leaves West Bay at 9.15am and the last bus returning is at 3pm.

Cllr Anne Rickard, deputy town mayor, joined the first trip from West Bay on Saturday morning, getting the scheme underway for the coming season.

Cllr Rickard said: "This has proved over several years to be very popular with both residents and visitors to the area and means that traffic congestion, parking and also pollution, is eased in the centre of Bridport on its two market days, which is when Bridport is busiest.

"Users can buy a return bus ticket for an entire family and park the car for four hours for just £2."

Tickets can be bought at the special ticket machine in West Bay Road car park. The scheme will operate until September 3.