Children will be able to ride the bus for free across the Towns this summer.

Everyone under 18 will get free bus travel in Medway in an effort to get more families out and about this summer thanks to a government-funded scheme.

Thanks to the Westminster-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan, from July 20 to September 1 up to three children, aged 18 and under, can travel for free with a fare-paying adult or concessionary bus pass holder.

This applies to all journeys which take place entirely within the Medway Council boundaries and applies to all bus services until 8pm.

For the duration of the offer there will also be a new bus service operating hourly, seven days a week, which stops at main attractions throughout the Towns.

Operated by Chalkwell and Nu-Venture, the route will link attractions including Medway Park, The Strand, Riverside Country Park, and the new Cozenton Park Sports Centre at £2 for an adult single.

Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for climate change and strategic regeneration, said: “It’s fantastic that we’re able to offer free bus travel for children this summer, and help more families get out and have fun around Medway.

“There are so many great destinations here and being able to get to them for free makes a day out easier and even more enjoyable!

“It’s also good news for businesses and leisure destinations over the summer holidays, and good news for the environment.

“Encouraging people to use public transport means we’re helping to cut down on carbon emissions and so this is another step towards achieving our goal of net zero carbon in Medway by 2050.”

To find out more about the scheme, visit the council’s website at Medway.gov.uk/SummerBuses

The scheme starts on July 20 and runs until September 1 and applies to all bus services with routes entirely within the authority’s boundaries.