BURNLEY and Pendle residents can now enjoy the walks and countryside around the Yorkshire Dales without taking the car after a new bus service was launched.

The 872 DalesBus service will connect Burnley, Nelson, Colne and Barnoldswick with large parts of the scenic countryside in the Dales.

The service will run every Sunday and Bank Holiday and leaves Burnley at 9.15am, before returning from Grassington to Burnley at 4.55pm.

The service is being operated by Burnley and Pendle Mainline as part of the DalesBus network.

Nigel Eggleton, Transdev Burnley and Pendle marketing director, said: “We’re delighted to be working with DalesBus who’ve been tremendously successful in encouraging walkers and other country lovers to leave their cars at home and explore the stunning Yorkshire Dales by bus.

“Over the past year, passenger numbers on their network of services have risen by 30 per cent.”

Colin Speakman, spokesman for DalesBus, said: “DalesBus is run by the not-for-profit Dales and Bowland Community Interest Company.

“We’re using all our financial reserves to support the summer network so winter services and the future of DalesBus in 2012 depend upon continued passenger growth and finding new sources of funding.

“There’s lots to see and do from a gentle walk to an energetic hike.

"There are quaint villages such as Burnsall, Grassington, Hawes and Malham to explore and you can go climbing at Kilnsey Crag or fishing at Kilnsey Park.

"You can even explore your heritage at Bolton Abbey.”

For full details of all DalesBus services, visit www.dalesbus.org