A BUS company has apologised after one of its drivers told a Sidmouth woman her concessionary bus pass was invalid. Winifred Risley, 81, was told by a Stagecoach South West driver on Monday that her pass was only valid after 9.30am on weekdays, not 9am, a

A BUS company has apologised after one of its drivers told a Sidmouth woman her concessionary bus pass was invalid.

Winifred Risley, 81, was told by a Stagecoach South West driver on Monday that her pass was only valid after 9.30am on weekdays, not 9am, and she would have to pay �1.20 to travel from the Jet Garage to All Saints Road in Sidmouth.

A bewildered Mrs Risley explained to the driver that in East Devon concessionary bus passes are valid from 9am.

She said: "I told him I was using the pass at 9am last week but he said I couldn't use it. Eventually he let me get on for free."

Concessionary bus passes have been valid from 9am on weekdays in East Devon since April 2008.

East Devon District Council altered the time from 9.30am after members of the public complained it was not early enough.

An EDDC spokesperson said there were no plans to change this and the incident was 'isolated'.

She added: "Bus drivers from outside the area do not always know concessionary passes can be used from 9am in East Devon."

A spokesperson for Stagecoach South West, said: "I am sorry to hear incorrect information has been provided to this passenger and for any inconvenience this may have caused.

"All of our drivers were provided with details of the concessionary bus pass scheme and the areas of validity in the various local authority areas.

"We will ensure a reminder is issued to prevent this from happening again.