A NEW bus route will ensure young people in Alston can get to college.

The Weardale Travel Service is giving 16–18-year-olds from Alston Moor their first and only service dedicated to accessing training and education.

Dr Neil Hudson MP for Penrith and The Border made the case for the service in parliament and has worked with Alston Moor Federation headteacher Gill Jackson and Eden District Council - who have earmarked funding for the scheme - to roll it out across the constituency.

It comes after the MP launched a campaign - which amassed more than 1,000 signatures - to make post-16 education accessible for all.

The service has meant that young people like aspiring electrician Hannah - who completed Year 11 at Samuel King's School in Alston - can go on and study at New College Durham.

She said: “It’s a good opportunity for everyone around here because we don’t really have transport to anywhere else. I’m glad because I can do the course I actually want to do now.”  

Dr Neil Hudson MP added: “It was an absolute privilege being able to cut the ribbon and launch what will be a life-changing bus service. It was an honour to lead the fight for this bus service for these young folk with so much potential.

"Speaking to some of our brilliant young people up on Alston Moor instantly proved to me the value of such a service. Hearing about their hopes and dreams for the future, now attainable without having to ask mum and dad for eye-watering sums or having their life choices limited, was really moving.

“This is great progress for families in Alston Moor, but I know we need to do more there and elsewhere, but hopefully this is only the first step towards providing affordable, sustainable, and fair post-16 transport for young people living in rural areas across the country.

"Poor transport links can be a roadblock to accessing education no longer.”