IT can be extremely awkward for many people to get around at this time of the year.

Bad weather, drastically reduced public transport services and drivers who foolishly fail to resist the temptation to drink and drive combine to make even local journeys risky and difficult.

Police are reinforcing their annual plea to people to take care and stepping up the anti-drink driving campaign over the Christmas and New Year period.

With this backcloth, how refreshing it is then to see Blackburn Transport putting customers first and announcing that some key services will operate on Christmas Day - without any fares being charged.

The free buses, subsidised by Blackburn with Darwen Council, will operate on a number of key routes to help people, especially those who are not car owners, to visit relatives and places like Blackburn Royal Infirmary and Queen's Park Hospital.

On Boxing Day, Blackburn Transport will be the only operator running bus services in East Lancashire, with all journeys costing £2.

At a time when many have complained, with justification, about a general decline in the efficiency of trains and buses, it is good to see such a useful public transport initiative.