TAVISTOCK country bus service is driving up passenger numbers with an increase of more than 7% in the last year alone.

The Tavistock Community Transport Association (TCT) carried nearly 8,500 passengers in 2003 compared to less than 8,000 in 2002.

TCT is run entirely by volunteers and aims to provide a reasonably priced weekly service to Tavistock town centre from smaller villages in the area.

The organisation also offers occasional trips to places further afield including Exeter, Truro and Paignton.

Keith Potter, honorary secretary of TCT said: ?Our passenger numbers show that TCT continues to play a very valuable role in our local community.

?We?ve seen increases in passenger numbers for our local and long distance services, especially our trips to Totnes and Paignton in the summer months.

?In addition, our figures show that we operate a very reliable service, with nearly 99% of our timetabled journeys running in 2003,? he said.

Tavistock country bus timetables can be obtained from libraries, tourist information centres and country bus drivers.