TRANSPORT bosses have put themselves in the driving seat for this year's Darwen Music Live festival.

In partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackburn Transport will be putting on extra buses to and from the event.

It is the first time the scheme has been tried for the event which proved extremely successful last year.

Last year hundreds of people lined the streets to see big name bands take to the stage such as Padiham girl group, Bliss, and headliners Gone Beggin.

Extra drivers have also been lined up to provide the additional service which is set to make the festival even bigger and better than last year.

Company bosses have promised to run buses between Blackburn and Darwen every seven and a half minutes on Saturday until 6pm, then every 15 minutes throughout the evening.

The number of buses will also be doubled on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, with one running between the two towns every 15 minutes -- instead of the usual 30 -- between 11.30am and 5pm.

A 30 minute service will run during the rest of the day.

And if the scheme works, there are plans to do the same next year.

A full day ticket allowing unlimited use on all services costs £2.80 and is available from the bus driver on the day.

Michael Morton, managing director of Blackburn Transport, said: "The regeneration team at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council have put together an excellent programme for an enjoyable bank holiday weekend in Darwen.

"We will be providing extra buses so that people can enjoy this live music extravaganza. Our message is to leave the car at home and use the bus.

"Let us do the driving so that you don't need to worry about having a drink and entering into the ambience of the festival.

"We will definitely be looking into trunning the service again if it proves successful. We are always looking for commercial opportunities."

A full day ticket allowing unlimited use on all services costs £2.80 and is available from the bus driver on the day.