THURROCK Council is extending the 88 bus service, operated by Ensign, to a seven-day operation.

Currently the service, which runs from Thurrock Hospital in Orsett to the bus station at Grays, via Stafford Clays, operates Monday to Saturday.

From Sunday, 18 January, the bus will also be running an hourly service on Sundays.

Cllr Victoria Holloway, cabinet member for place and the environment, said: "We know many of our residents are reliant on bus services to get around and we are committed to improving services. Making this popular and well used route available seven days a week is part of that commitment."

The improved service is funded by the Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan Funding.