Young people in Kent will be eligible for free bus travel this summer.

Eleven to 18-year-olds will be able to travel free of charge as part of a drive to get the county's youngsters out and about.

They will be able to use the Reconnect bus passes from July 22 until August 31.

They will be eligible for use everyday throughout the summer holidays on all Stagecoach and Arriva routes in Kent, but may not be used on services that start in or operate in Medway, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey or the Transport for London area.

The passes will be handed out at schools to all pupils in years 6 to 13, by the end of the summer term.

Schools will be in touch with pupils who are not in school, to let them know how to get their passes.

Colleges will also be contacting pupils about how to collect a pass.

Those who are homeschooled may collect a pass from a designated collection point, from July 21.

Lost bus passes may also be replaced at collection points, from July 21.

Young people must simply show their free pass to a driver when they get on a bus, and must keep the pass with them during their journey.

The passes are available through Kent County Council's Reconnect programme.

The authority's website says: "This offer has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Kent’s bus operators."

For a full list of libraries and children's centres that will be acting as bus pass collection points, visit KCC's website.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent