AN extension to rural bus services in Upton, Ledbury and Malvern will move into gear later this year.

A £1million boost was announced in February to routes running from Ledbury to Malvern and from Upton to Worcester calling at Malvern.

Andy Baker, Worcestershire County Council transport development manager, said it would take some months for the extensions to be finalised.

He welcomed a relaxation of vehicle registration laws announced by the Government allowing new services to be started.

They will include a variety of routes that will see passengers being picked up and dropped off from single or various stops.

Mr Baker said: "I think the way forward for public transport in Worcestershire is that eventually there will be more demand-responsive services."