A bus service started by the Green Party in Huddersfield over the festive period in 1992 is marking its 30th anniversary in service.

The Green Party in the Newsome ward – which also covers Huddersfield town centre – commenced the service as a response to bus cuts in the 1990s.

It used to cover Boxing Day and New Year’s Day before Boxing Day services were restored a few years ago.

The New Year’s Day service has run on every New Year’s Day for 30 years with the exception of 2020 due to Covid restrictions.

Green Party leader Clr Andrew Cooper, who is one of the drivers on the service, said: “I remember the first one we ran in 1992 which we ran as a protest against the removal of services over the holiday period.

“Since then some services have been resumed in some areas in recent years on Boxing Day. In recent years the minibus has been donated by Kirklees Council for which we are very grateful.”

The bus service links Berry Brow, Newsome, the town centre and goes up to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and is used by people visiting relatives in hospital.

Newsome Green Party councillors Andrew Cooper, Sue Lee-Richards and Karen Allison

Newsome Green Party councillor Sue Lee-Richards, who has also been a volunteer on the bus service, said: “I really enjoy doing the bus service each year and it is now very much part of my Christmas holiday routine.

“At this time of year when there are limited public transport services taxi journeys can be expensive particularly from rural villages so people who use the minibus we operate really do value it.

“We put timetables on bus stops and in local shops so people are aware of our schedule. The service is free to use but donations towards fuel costs are always welcome.”

The New Year’s Day timetable is below.