STRANDED relatives have been thrown a lifeline so they can visit their loved ones in hospital on the festive bank holidays.

Free transport is being provided for residents in the borough to visit family members who will remain in hospices or hospitals on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

The door-to-door service is being run for the ninth successive year, made possible by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) and the Community Minibus Agency.

Councillor Winston Ramsey, a member of the GMPTA, said: "Christmas is a magical time of year for most people but we must not forget there are many people who find it to be a time of increased loneliness and isolation.

"Bus services will not operate on Christmas Day and very few will run on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, so people without access to a car would not be able to visit their nearest and dearest without this service."

The service can be booked through staff at local hospitals and hospices, and transport will be provided by car, taxi or minibus. Vehicles with access for the disabled and wheelchair users are available on request.

GMPTA has also praised most bus operators for its holiday timetable to ensure people can travel without problems on the working days over the festive period.

The network of night buses on New Year's Eve, departing from Manchester, will also conitnue to run until 4am on January 1.