TRAVELLERS waiting for a bus in a Tyne Valley town can now take a seat while they wait.

Following requests residents in Prudhoe, six of the town's stone bus stops were fitted with seating, made possible by a collaboration from local businesses.

Prudhoe Town Council found that 'off the shelf' seating was too costly, so the seats were built and fitted by local joiner John Baron, or Scorpion Joinery, and Chris and Gary Fenwick of CJL Fenwick metalwork.

The town council was then boosted by the news that county councillor Gordon Stewart would pay for almost all of the costs via his members local improvement scheme.

Coun. Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, said: "When I heard about the project, I was keen to be involved.

"It benefits many of the residents in my ward, especially the elderly. As a result, 98 per cent of the cost of the project will be reimbursed to Prudhoe Town Council."

The seats have been installed at both Cottier Grange stops, at the westbound Priestclose Cottages stop, the eastbound Parish Hall bus stop, and at both Waterworld stops.

As part of the same project, the town council will be installing a seat at the eastbound stone shelter at Priestclose Cottages, following a petition delievered by West Wylam resident Philip Tonkin.