More than 500 people used the free-to-ride service during a glorious weekend.

JULY has begun with a bang for Sidmouth’s Hopper bus, say driving forces.

More than 500 people used the free-to-ride service during a glorious weekend.

The good news follows a June blighted by bad weather.

Hopper co-ordinator John Dyson, also a town councillor, said: “June was a little below the same period last year, and in previous years, entirely due to a large amount of wet days which has a big affect on numbers. July has started with a bang. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday we had more than 500 people in wonderful weather and conditions. We’re now back on track- in fact we’re head of last year.”