A FREE BUS service is to be launched between Eastleigh railway station and Marwell Zoo from Sunday, June 7.

The service will provide a regular shuttle for visitors to the zoo every Sunday until the end of September.

Eight buses will depart from Eastleigh railway station at 25 minutes past the hour from 10.25am and travel direct to Marwell Wildlife passing through Fair Oak and Fisher’s Pond.

After a short wait at Marwell, the bus will make the round trip back to the station at 45 minutes past the hour starting at 10.45am.

The last return journey will depart Marwell Wildlife at 5.45pm. The service will also operate on August Bank Holiday Monday.

The launch of the free service, which is run by volunteers, aims to connect both the local community and rail travellers with Marwell Wildlife, replacing the existing Solent Blue Line service that currently runs only three times on a Sunday.

Paul Simmons, Marwell spokesman, said: "We are always looking to expand our sustainable business practices and we hope this free rail link bus will encourage more visitors to travel to Marwell Wildlife by public transport from the town of Eastleigh and from further afield."