Lincolnshire County Council is pledging more than £250,000 to keep the door to door minibus service for elderly and vulnerable people going in the county.

Following a review East Lindsey, West Lindsey and North Kesteven District Councils have also pledged to financially support the service in their areas for the next three years.

The county council says 'due to rising costs' there will be changes to the Dial a Ride service from August 4.

The minibus can now be used by everybody over the age of 80 and anyone aged over 60 who is unable to use public transport and anyone with a limiting disability which prevents them using public transport.

Fares will increase to 65p a mile and membership will cost £20 for individual users.

County Councillor William Webb said: "We appreciate this service offers a life line to the elderly and disabled, and helps them to continue living independently."

Following the withdrawal of Countryside Agency funding in 2006, the Lincolnshire Dial a Ride Partnership disbanded in April this year due to increasing costs of providing the service.

Lincolnshire County Council continued to support the scheme whilst carrying out a review of user needs, working with district councils to devise alternative solutions.

All current users have been written to by the county council to explain the changes in their area, with passengers then needing to re-apply for membership to ensure they still meet the criteria.

* Details: 0845 2638153.