NHS staff will now be able to travel for free on Stagecoach buses in Kent and the south east.

The bus company says the offer is available for any health service employee travelling too or from work who shows a valid NHS ID to the driver.

It is also adapting timetables around the needs of these key workers on the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus.

Stagecoach south east managing director Joel Mitchell said: "We're proud to be providing lifeline bus services needed for our community's key workers.

"At times like this we have to look at what we can do to help make a difference and ease the pressure on people who are doing such an incredible job.

He added: "Many colleagues at Stagecoach south east have connections with the NHS locally and I've been struck by their strong sense of feeling that we should help in this way. It makes me immensely proud that we've been able to do this."

Last month the bus operator, in partnership with Kent County Council, relaxed restrictions on the use of concessionary bus passes for the elderly.

The passes can now be used before the previous 9.30am threshold to enable older people who need to travel for essential supplies to take advantage of priority shopping schemes offered by most supermarkets.

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