A SHUTTLE bus service between Settle and Malham has received sponsorship for the third year running.

Skipton Building Society has announced its continued support of the National Trust run service, which aims to cut down car congestion and carbon emissions in the Dales.

Restarting on Saturday, April 7, and running until Sunday, September 30, including Bank Holidays, the service offers a convenient and scenic journey to Malham for both walkers and cyclists.

Cara Taylor, sponsorship consultant at Skipton Building Society, said: "With the busy spring and summer season approaching, it's important for us to enjoy all the Dales has to offer. However, with environmental concerns rising as seen in the increasing media coverage, we also have a responsibility to make every effort to reduce unnecessary car usage."

Emmeline Marlow-Mann, property administrator for The National Trust. said: "We are delighted to have once again received support from Skipton Building Society to run the Malham Shuttle Bus Service. This service has been immensely popular in previous years, successfully reducing the amount of traffic and pollution coming into the area and providing public transport not only for visitors but also for residents. The route has been developed to link more effectively with the local bus and train timetables, with the first and last buses of the day starting and finishing in Ilkley.

"The bus has been fitted with a bike rack and there is also a satellite-triggered audio commentary providing information along the route."

Leaflets with full details and a timetable of the bus route are available from the National Park Centre, in Malham, tourist information centres, in Settle, Skipton and Ilkley, and Skipton Building Society branches.