A POPULAR evening bus service will continue throughout the winter, it has been confirmed.

Extra Friday and Saturday evening buses from Farndon to Chester and back will be available through the colder months after they proved to be very popular with residents.

Nearly 3,000 people have made use of the service over the last six months.

A trial service, the decision hinged on whether the service would become profitable, or close to profitable, as the daytime services are currently making a loss.

The No. 5 route – now the 5E for the extra services – also picks up passengers in Churton, Aldford and Saighton.

“The success of this service demonstrates that there is a clear demand for rural bus transport - if offered at the correct times of day and advertised appropriately” said Farndon Ward Cllr, Adrian Waddelove.

“To date, May and August have seen the highest usage, but people need to carry on travelling on them during the winter.

“I am delighted that residents have responded to the challenge of proving that the villages can support bus services that meet local needs.”