Blackpool pensioners are set to get a free ride on the resort's trams and buses when new laws come in this April.

Anyone over the age of 60 and people with some disabilities will be able to travel for free on any journey within the borough of Blackpool at all times after 9.30am and on weekends and bank holidays.

Half fares will apply before 9.30am and Blackpool folk who qualify will be able to travel anywhere in Lancashire for half the normal fare.

And there are hopes that the free transport scheme will soon apply across the Fylde Coast.

Cllr Fred Jackson, Blackpool's urban enivornment portfolio holder, said: "We carefully considered all the available options to ensure that Blackpool residents receive the best possible deal when using the town's buses and trams.

"Blackpool Council has chosen an option in line with other Lancashire authorities to encourage more people to consider buses and trams when choosing their method of transport.

"Ideally we would have liked Blackpool residents to have free travel across the whole of the Fylde coast from April 2006 but given the short time available to get the scheme into operation we felt the best course of action was to adopt the countywide scheme initially.

"When we have assessed the impact of the new scheme we will talk to Fylde and Wyre Councils about the possibility of introducing a free scheme that covers the entire Fylde coast."

The maximum fare for disabled passengers will be capped at 50p for single journeys and £1 fo return journeys.