A trial bus service has opened to provide a link between a village and nearby towns.

The C3 bus service will be operated by Go Coach and run from New Ash Green to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford and Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe.

It will operate between 9am and 3pm, stopping in Hartley, Longfield, Green Street Green and Lane End.

The new service is making use of a vehicle from the Kent Thameside Fastrack service which is not used in off-peak hours.

This has meant Kent County Council (KCC) has been able to deliver the trial and make best use of the asset.

The service will be available until November 9 next year when a new Fastrack contract starts, at which point the service will be reviewed and decisions made about its future.

KCC is encouraging residents to get on board.

KCC's director of highways and transportation, Haroona Chughtai, said: “I am pleased we have been able to provide a link between New Ash Green and Darent Valley Hospital for a trial run.

“I encourage residents to use the service as much as possible during this trial period so operators can better understand the demand, which will determine the sustainability of the route.”

The service, which will have a £2 flat fare, will come as a welcome relief for residents of both villages after the 423 was cut last October.

To view the timetable, visit the Go Coach website.

Hartley resident Trisha Rose spoke to KentOnline when the new service was first announced.

“I can’t wait for the introduction of the new shuttle buses as where we live we are cut off and isolated from many towns,” she said.

“I’ve got elderly neighbours who rely on public transport to get to the hospital and my daughter works at Bluewater and has to rely on lifts to work so she has no independence.

“Teenagers in the area also can’t meet their friends to socialise so it’ll be a welcome introduction, and I can’t wait for the timetable to be released.”