North Somerset Council has extended hours of when bus passes can be used.

The change came into effect last Thursday and allows those with a Diamond Travelcard bus pass, for older and disabled people, to use any local bus for free before 9am.

The change will enable buses operated by First West of England, Stagecoach West and Carmel Bristol to accept the travelcards on all journeys throughout the week.

The authority is permitting the change as a result of the coronavirus and the announcement by some supermarkets that they will be opening their first hour for older people or those with a disability.

At the moment people with the bus pass can travel on any local bus after 9am from Mondays to Fridays and all day during the weekends.

North Somerset Council leader Cllr Don Davies said: “We want to make sure people can get out to replenish their food supplies and several of the supermarket groups have announced that they will reserve their first hour of trading for those with disabilities and older people.

“All time limits are temporarily lifted so passes can effectively be used all day any day.”