A COMMUNITY minibus offering people free travel to The Vyne in Sherborne St John has made its first journey.

As previously reported, Basingstoke Community Transport is now running a free monthly shuttle service from Basingstoke railway station to the National Trust property.

The service, which has been nicknamed the 'Vyne Line', features a 16-seater, fully accessible minibus. It will run on the last Wednesday of the month from April until October 2024.

On Wednesday, April 24, the Vyne Line welcomed on board its very first passengers.

Feedback was very positive with more bookings lined up for the next service running on Wednesday, May 29.

The minibus is helping reduce traffic on the roads and promoting accessibility to natural spaces. If it continues to be popular, the service may well be extended.

READ MORE: Free minibus shuttle to run to the Vyne in Basingstoke

Basingstoke Gazette: Vyne Line's first passengers

Those looking to use the Vyne Line need to pre-book their free seat by phoning 07967 875832. There’s no need to pre-book entry to The Vyne, but visitors will need to pay normal admission on entry, National Trust members get in for free.

The shuttle will also run on June 26, July 31, August 28, September 25, and October 30. The outbound journey will depart from Basingstoke railway station at 10am. The return journey departs from The Vyne at 2pm.

To use the minibus service, residents are asked to phone 07967 875832 to pre-book their free seat. Visitors don't need to prebook entry to The Vyne, but will need to pay normal admission on entry. Admission is free for National Trust Members.