RESIDENTS of Spreyton are hoping that their first regular bus service in over 20 years may lead to more public transport in the future.

In response to local requests, from November 2 the new service 669 will pick up passengers from outside Spreyton Church and Whiddon Down Village Hall on Tuesday mornings and take them to Crediton.

The service, operated by Crockernwell Motors, will give residents 40 minutes to shop in Somerfield before taking them into the town centre where it will pick them up an hour and 20 minutes later.

Devon County Council has introduced the service after consultation with local villagers and parish councillors.

Chairman of Spreyton Parish Council John Filor said: 'It is absolutely wonderful news. It is nice to be remembered by the county council and at last we have the start of a service.

'If it is successful perhaps we will get more services — ideally we would like a bus to Exeter. Hopefully this will come in due course.'

His views were echoed by resident Brenda Purvis, who sent a petition into the county council.

'It's a step in the right direction,' she said.

A spokesperson for Devon County Council said the authority was able to set up new services like this because of a £1.4 million injection by the Government to help fund rural transport in Devon.