TOURISM chiefs in Yorkshire are launching a new bus service in a bid to woo East Lancashire people back to their foot and mouth hit tourist spots.

The service linking the area with the Yorkshire Dales will be launched tomorrow.

The Burnley and Pendle X43 express service between Manchester and Colne will be extended on summer Sundays through to Skipton, Grassington and Hawes.

B&P director George Scrymgeour said: "The economy of the Yorkshire Dales is suffering acutely because of foot and mouth. Pubs, restaurants, gift shops and attractions in places like Hawes, Aysgarth, Grassington and Skipton are desperately anxious to welcome visitors from Lancashire."

He added: "Our buses are washed and cleaned internally and externally every day so a trip by Burnley and Pendle bus is almost certainly the safest and and most environmentally sound way to visit the Yorkshire Dales."

Andy Ryland, transport and visitor management officer with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: "We are actively encouraging people to visit and the X43 Sunday service will once again open up the Yorkshire Dales."

"It will provide an affordable means for the public to reach one of the nation's treasured national parks."

Although most footpaths in the Dales remain closed, all towns and villages are open and have much to offer.

The new service will operated each Sunday during July, August and September and will leave Burnley at 11am, Nelson at 11.12am and Colne at 11.22am.

It will arrive at Skipton at 11.40am, Grassington at noon and after an hour's break will continue to Hawes, arriving at 2.45pm.

Prices from Burnley to Skipton or Grassington are £4 and £6 through to Hawes.