AN improved bus service has been announced for next year.

The services will be launched in Rossendale on January 29 following a decision by Lancashire County Council to make an extra £1m available to support bus services.

The new Service 446 will operate between Rawtenstall, Bacup restoring a daytime local bus link across the Rossendale Valley.

Operated by Rosso, the new service will run every 90 minutes throughout the day, extending the company's Service 465 which only operates at the start and end of the school day.

County Councillor Andrew Snowden, lead member for highways and transport, said: "Supporting a good public transport network is one of our key priorities as it helps our economy, widening access to opportunities for work and education.

Buses also provide journeys for essential activities such as seeing friends and family, visiting the shops and attending vital appointments.

"These new buses add to all the improved services which began in December 2017, restoring even more public transport links to local communities.

We've listened to what people have told us about the local need for these buses, and the difference they will make to their lives. These new contracts are for three years I'd ask that everyone support these services once they begin operating to help us sustain them.

"I know how much these services will mean to local residents. I have been working with a number of my fellow county councillors who have put the case forward passionately for services to these three areas."