A BUS FAN is getting behind the wheel to provide a free-of-charge Boxing Day bus service.

Big-hearted Rodger Batley, 59, of Scholes, who already works for Stotts Coaches, will be on the road on Sunday running route H11.

His service will be linking the Holmfirth area with central Huddersfield, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Oakes.

Mr Batley said: "I believe there should be some sort of service on Boxing Day to help people who don't have their own transport - in particular the elderly and families with kids."

Father-of-two Mr Batley, a bus driver for 30 years, said he was looking forward to it following gaining funding from the local authority for the service.

He added: "I've always been a fan of buses and trains and when I was younger I collected timetables.

"My family was involved in starting one of the earliest bus routes in the area so I think it must be in the blood."

The free bus will start at 8.50am at Crosland Road/New Hey Road in Oakes, and run via Westgate, the University, Lockwood at 9.03am, Berry Brow, Honley Bridge, Honley roundabout at 9.15, Brockholes (Rock Inn), Oaks Avenue, Thongsbridge Co-op, Wooldale, Holmfirth bus station, Cinderhills and finishing at the Boot and Shoe in Scholes at 9.39.

The service will pass the Royal Infirmary at 10.45am, 1.45pm, 3.45pm (going as far as Honley roundabout only) and at 4.47pm.

The reverse route starts at 9.45am from the Boot and Shoe, then at 12.45pm, 2.45pm and 5.49pm.

* A volunteer-run bus will serve Meltham on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. It will leave Meltham hourly from 10am to 5pm to the town centre. Another hourly service will link Meltham bus station, St Luke's Hospital and the town centre, from 10am.

Details on 01484 859894.

Here's when the other bus services are running over Christmas:

Christmas Eve: Saturday service to about 8pm

Christmas Day and Boxing Day: No service

Monday 27 and Tuesday 28: Sunday service

Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30: Saturday service (with some exceptions)

Passengers are adised to check the timetable before travelling. Call MetroLine on 0113 245 7676.