Passengers on buses in Cornwall will pay much less for their fares when new summer timetables are introduced next weekend.

It comes as part of a new four-year pilot scheme led by Cornwall Council to encourage more people to travel by bus and reduce emissions, and follows a successful bid for £23.5m in government funding.

From the 10th April prices will be falling, with short hop fares down by 20% and longer journeys by up to 40%.

The £9 day ticket will reduce to just £5, and singles will start from just £1.60 and returns from £2.40.

Philip Desmonde, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: "I am very pleased and proud we have been able to deliver the amazing value for money outcomes on our Bus routes throughout Cornwall. Great for work, school and reaching the county services whilst contributing to lowering our carbon footprint.

"Road transport is a major contributor of carbon dioxide emissions and research shows that around a third of journeys made by car are of less than 5km. We all need to think about how we travel and I hope that this pilot will encourage more people to make more sustainable choices. If we all swap even one regular journey, it will make a difference.

"I invite you all to try the simple pleasure of riding on one of our wonderful buses and experiencing our beautiful Cornish countryside, towns, villages and coastal scenes."

Click here to see more prices and find out more on the Transport for Cornwall website.