Buses will start running later in rural parts of the Isle of Wight, as extra services are added by operator, Southern Vectis.

From Sunday, October 1, routes 6 and 12 will finish around five hours later, on weekdays and Saturdays.

Currently, the final number 6 service from Newport to Ventnor, via Chillerton, Chale, Niton and Whitwell, leaves just before 6pm.

The latest route 12, from Newport to Alum Bay, via Shorwell, Brighstone, Mottistone, Freshwater Bay and Totland, leaves at 5.40pm.

Moving forward, there will a number of extra trips across the evening, with the latest route 6 leaving Newport at 10.45pm and the last route 12 at 11.10pm.

Have a look at the new timetables here: Route 6 and Route 12

At their meeting on Monday, Niton and Whitwell Parish Council said residents could now have a reasonable night without rushing for an early bus, and young people staying out late could rely on public transport to get home.

Isle of Wight Council is funding the change using cash from the Department for Transport.

Cllr Claire Critchison who represents Chale, Niton and Shorwell, had been campaigning for later buses to help reduce the isolation felt by villagers unable to stay out later in Newport.

On Monday, Niton and Whitwell Parish Council thanked Cllr Critchison, who said funding has been secured for a year.

She said Islanders should use the later buses to prove the demand is there.