Following the news that park and ride services at Arle Court are being withdrawn next week, a local company will be taking over.

Bennetts Coaches has been awarded a 12-month contract by Gloucestershire County Council for the Cheltenham service. And buses will start running on Monday November 28 - meaning passengers won't experience a break in the service.

Bennetts is currently advertising for drivers to drive the route.

Gavin Bennett, managing director of Bennetts Coaches, said: "We require four drivers and have already recruited two of them. We've had some applications in and will be using some of our existing staff until we fill the vacancies."

Bennetts has also sourced three buses, sub-leased from National Express, for the route.

Mr Bennett continued: "This is good news for a small family business and hopefully we can grow the passenger numbers over the 12 months.

"It's good news for the passengers too, but a quick turnaround for us. Drivers have to give notice with their existing employers, so if I have to be out there driving a vehicle, that's what I'll do! That's what a family business does to support its customers."

Arle Court Park and Ride is part of the new £20 million Arle Court Transport Hub, funded by Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund.