If you're heading to the Preseli Hills this summer then look out for the new walkers' bus service. The 'Preseli Green Dragon' is being introduced to provide public transport access to the Preselis and surrounding communities. Clr. Brian Hall said the service will be an important link for walkers. "The 'Preseli Green Dragon' can provide transport to the start of the walk without having to use a car. Avoid re-tracing your steps and use the bus, a perfect walking partner!" he said. "The bus will also provide a valuable solution to rural transport problems in this area, and public transport for locals and visitors who want to spend a day visiting nearby towns." The service is the first in Wales to be operated by volunteers from a community transport group. It will build on the success of the Pembrokeshire 'Puffin' Coastal Bus Services and started running from Crymych on Tuesday. The bus route hugs the foothills from Crymych to Mynachlog-ddu, Maenclochog, Rosebush, Brynberian, Cilgwyn, Sychpant (in the Gwaun Valley) and Newport. In addition, the bus will provide a service from Newport - Nevern - Newport. The Preseli Rural Transport Association will be operating the bus service, using volunteer drivers, with funding from Pembrokeshire County Council and the Pembrokeshire Greenways Partnership. Clr. Rod Bowen, chairman of the Preseli Rural Transport Association, said: "We are very excited about running the Preseli Green Dragon. We will be the first community transport group in Wales if not the United Kingdom, to operate this kind of bus service, driven by volunteers, for the benefit of both locals and visitors. The bus runs on LPG - an environmentally friendly fuel - and is also wheelchair accessible." This trial service will run two days a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays until Saturday, September 25. The bus will operate as a Dial-a-Ride service with passengers required to book a seat in advance. To book your seat please telephone 0800 783 1584 at least one hour before the bus is due to run.

FREE LEAFLETS

A bus timetable leaflet is available from Tourist Information Centres or by post from Kirsty Morris, Greenways Officer, on: (01437) 776313 or e-mail: [email protected]">[email protected] Timetables can be printed off from the Greenways website at: http://www.pembrokeshiregreenways.co.uk">www.pembrokeshiregreenways.co.uk