THE future looks bright for a specialist bus service, introduced to provide a lifeline for elderly and disabled Upton residents.

Poole's dial-a-bus, extended into Upton on a six-month trial basis in August, has received a glowing report by social services bosses.

When the joint Purbeck District, Poole Borough and Dorset County Council initiative was first mooted, council service heads agreed to review the project after three months.

Following a meeting on Tuesday, Purbeck's social support services head, Phil McStraw, said: "Since the dial-a-bus scheme got underway the take up has been good and its popularity has been encouraging.

"The scheme was introduced on a six month trial basis after which a decision on its long term future will be made in conjunction with Dorset County Council and the Borough of Poole."

The service costs £2,000 for six months, with all three authorities picking up the bill.

Residents, unable to use ordinary public transport due to mobility problems, pay £2.40 to be collected every Thursday and taken to Sainsbury's, Shopmobility, and the Dolphin Shopping Centre, then returned home.

Purbeck District Council transport adviser Barry Quinn said: "Helping people gain access to services locally and meeting transport needs is one of the council's top priorities.

"By working with the Borough of Poole and Dorset County Council to extend this community bus service, we are one step closer to achieving our aims."

For details call 01929 556561.