A NEW bus will ferry relatives and friends to visit patients in hospital - from their own front door.

The service, launched on May 3, will run seven days a week from 5.30pm to 10.30pm Mondays to Saturdays and from 2pm to 9pm Sundays and Bank Holidays.

A Halton Council spokesperson, said: "We hope this will make it easier for people to visit their friends and loved ones in hospital by offering affordable and attractive transport."

Passengers can book journeys by calling 0151-257 2410, no later than 3pm on the day they intend to travel.

Single fares to Halton Hospital from Runcorn £2.40, from Widnes £2.80; to Warrington and Whiston Hospitals from anywhere in Halton £4. Family tickets for up to four people to travel will be £6 to Halton Hospital from anywhere in Halton and £9 to Warrington and Whiston Hospital.