FREE direct trips to the seaside for a borough’s pensioners and disabled residents have been announced.

Hyndburn Council bosses were unhappy that their residents did not qualify for a free direct service.

But, following talks, the council has struck up a deal with Transdev Lancashire to run a direct service to Blackpool, Cleveleys and Fleetwood over the summer months on the Northern Blue X64 service.

The council is funding the move with £15,000 of its cash.

It will operate from the first May Bank Holiday until the August Bank Holiday.

Council Leader Peter Britcliffe, said: “We want to help all our residents enjoy an active life, and particularly the over 60s and the disabled.

“We’ve always done as much as we can to help these groups and this special bus route will allow people to get out and about in the summer and enjoy the fresh sea air and a walk along the promenade.

“Trips like these keep people active and young at heart and it gives you something to look forward to that is not going to cost the earth. We are happy to fund this scheme and we want to thank Transdev Northern Blue for their support.”

Coun Marlene Haworth, cabinet member for finance and asset management, added: “Clearly money is tight at the council and the continuing reduction in Government funding makes it more difficult all the time for us to deliver services.However this is such an excellent idea I was happy to support finding the additional money to fund this worthwhile scheme.”

John Threlfall, operations director for Transdev Lancashire said: “Traditionally people from Accrington, Oswaldtwistle and the surrounding towns have made trips to Blackpool and Fleetwood, not just to shop but to take a relaxing walk along the seafront and take the air. I know from comments our customers have made that this service will be really appreciated.”

The bus service will run daily from May 4 starting at Oswaldtwistle Thwaites Road and going via Oswadtwistle and Accrington before calling at Clayton Le Moors, Great Harwood then Rishton and heading off to the coast and calling at Blackpool and going on to Fleetwood.

The return trip will start in Fleetwood at 4.05pm and is due back to Oswaldtwistle Thwaites Road by 6.30pm.