THERE is no need to ferret around for details of public transport services during the festive break.

For Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has just published its annual Christmas and New Year timetable.

And GMPTE mascot Mad Ferret teamed up with Bury councillor Gordon Sharkey to help launch the booklet at the town's Travelshop in Bury Interchange. Coun Sharkey is Bury's spokesman on the passenger transport authority.

Transport operators will be running bus, train and tram services on most days over the festive period and the authority is supplementing those by funding a network of Manchester city centre Nightbus services on New Year's Eve.

They have also teamed up again with the Community Minibus Agency to provide a free door-to-door transport service for people who are dependent on public transport. The service will enable them to visit close relatives in hospices and hospitals on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Coun Sharkey said: "We know that people expect fewer public transport services to operate over Christmas and New Year.

"Nonetheless, people do still need to get around and we want to make sure that a decent level of service operates and that information is readily available.

"The timetable booklet we have produced provides details about all bus, train and tram services operating between December 24 and January 3."

The booklet is available from GMPTE Travelshops as well as local stations, libraries, health centres and post offices. Copies can be ordered by ringing 242 6040.