CAMPAIGNERS who restored an axed bus service earlier this year are hoping the temporary reprieve could turn into a viable long-term solution for the route.

Following the withdrawal of bus subsidies by Cumbria County Council in November 2014, a group of community activists got together to re-instate the 106 bus service between Kendal and Penrith.

The service was back on the road in February thanks to funding from Parish Councils and Eden Housing Association.

The group - known as the 106 Partnership - pledged to run the service initially for three days a week for one year. Now thanks to better than expected usage, group members are investigating ways to keep it running on a long term basis.

To encourage more users, the 106 Partnership launched a promotion where under-16s can use the service for just £1 for one week in August. Services benefitting from the promotion will run on Tuesday, August 11, Thursday August 13 and Friday, August 14.

Group chairman, Steven Simpson said, “Much work has gone into getting the bus back on the road, with a lot of goodwill from the operator and funders, along with vital technical support from Cumbria County Council. To ensure the service can remain for the long term, we really need regular users which is why we’ve put this offer together during the summer holidays to encourage families to use the bus."