THE 23-year-old tradition of a free bus service will return to Keighley this Christmas Day.

The bus link will again be managed by qualified volunteers from the Town & District Transport Trust, which is based in both West Yorkshire and East Lancashire.

A spokesman for the trust said: “The buses we shall use on the service were built in the 1990s. While not really vintage in the true sense of the word they will provide a warm, comfortable journey during this cold part of the year.

“No fares will be charged on these services and the volunteers are giving their time freely.

“This will ensure a service is available to local residents and visitors, so they can visit the hospital, or the town centre pubs for a drink or even take the bus to go for a walk in the beautiful countryside outside Keighley.”

The bus service will run from 10am to 4pm on the day, using the same timetable that has run in previous years.

Three routes will be in operation: The 17 to Oakworth, returning via Fell Lane; The 18 circular route to Guard House and Braithwaite and the 19 Oxenhope and Haworth route to Keighley town centre and on to Airedale Hospital.

The main bus stop for these services will be outside Wetherspoons Livery Rooms, in North Street.

Services 17 and 18 will also pass the Cricketers Arms, in Coney Lane, and the Brown Cow, at the bottom of West Lane. Visit tdtt.co.uk/events for the full timetable.