A SPECIALISED bus service, providing a lifeline for disabled Upton residents, has been confirmed for at least another year.

The Poole Dial-a-Bus scheme was extended into Upton last summer after a shake up of main bus routes left some residents struggling to access mainstream public transport.

Purbeck District Council, Borough of Poole and Dorset County Council joined forces to ensure the community transport scheme was available for residents with mobility issues.

This week the county council confirmed it would carry on funding the project for at least another 12 months.

Purbeck council transport spokesman Cllr Barry Quinn, said: "Helping people access services locally and meeting local transport needs is one of the council's top priorities."

The service collects passengers from home and takes them to Poole town centre, calling at Sainsbury's, Shopmobility - where mobility scooters may be hired - and the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

Borough of Poole transportation portfolio holder Cllr Mike White, said: "Dial-a-Bus provides a valuable community service and we are pleased that people in Upton will continue to able to benefit from it."

Those wishing to sign up for the service, which costs £2.40 return, need to make an appointment with the district council to register.

Bookings can be made every Tuesday, 2-5pm, by calling the Poole Council for Voluntary Service on 01202 667187.