BUS passengers in Ludlow and Leominster are facing a hike in fares as a company pulls out of the £2 fare scheme.

As part of a Government scheme, a single bus journey has cost no more than £2 on most routes across England since January 1.

That scheme has been extended until June 30, but Leominster-based Yeomans and sister company Yeomans, in Hereford, have pulled out of the voluntary initiative.

In a statement, Yeomans said the firms were withdrawing from the scheme but didn't give the reason, or reasons, why.

Lugg Valley runs several routes out of Leominster, including the 490 to Ludlow.

From Saturday (April 1), the firm said neither company would be part of the £2 fare cap scheme introduced in January this year.

It means fares will return to their original prices.

"Participation in the bus fare cap scheme is voluntary, and we have decided not to extend until the end of June," a spokesperson said.