A £706,000 grant for innovative improvements to transport links with rural parts of Pendle has been welcomed.

The Department of Transport has allocated the money to Lancashire County Council to implement Pendleside Wayfarer project, as part of a £20million scheme nationwide.

The scheme aims to link villages which have infrequent or no bus services with larger towns such as Nelson and Colne without people having to rely on cars.

Earby Parish Councillor Pat Spenceley said transport was a major issue in the "hinterland" of Pendle and more money would be welcomed.

She added: "When we set up the Vital Villages project we did a survey and the lack of good transport links was the main issue raised. Better transport links would be a really good thing."

Coates ward councillor Margaret Bell, chairman of Pendle Council's West Craven Committee, which will benefit, said : "Lack of good transport links is a common local gripe so it's good news to see more investment.

"If it improves the level of service it will be a good thing."

There are plans for three new buses and there will also be a taxi service when buses are unavailable.

Exact routes and timetables have not yet been drawn up, but initial plans suggest two buses will cover Pendleside, linking villages such as Newchurch, Barley and Roughlee with Nelson, Colne and possibly Burnley.

A third bus would link villages in the West Craven area with the larger towns.

Planners will be asked to start drawing up routes as soon as possible and the services are likely to start in the summer.

Current funding will last three years and the council hopes it will be renewed after that.

A county council spokesman said: "This money will provide better links between the villages and the towns, particularly where bus services are infrequent or non-existent.

"We hope it will prove to be very successful and that we will get renewed funding after three years."

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice said: "This is splendid news and will help people in the villages of Pendle,to go shopping and get to work without having to use cars.

"We all want to encourage tourism in this beautiful area and this will help people to come and visit without their vehicles clogging up country lanes."