AFTER 18 months of campaigning, a group of villagers welcomed the newly restored off peak bus service connecting Fladbury to Worcester and Evesham.

Residents boarded the inaugural 9.46am 52 bus to Evesham on Monday October 16, to enjoy a coffee morning and shopping trip.

John Bolt, a Fladbury resident said: "At a time when many parts of the country are suffering rural bus route cut backs, it is greatly appreciated that the efforts of our campaign have been acknowledged, and many thanks are extended to members of the parish council, Vale Public Transport, county council and not least First Bus Group in listening to our voices."