FREE transport betw-een Andover and Win-chester is proving to be a real hit with passengers.

In a recent survey, more than 98 per cent of those who had used it said it was excellent, from the initial contact with the booking office to the journey itself.

The free service is mainly for patients and those accompanying or visiting them. Its first journey was in June.

Since then it has carried around 25 patients a day.

There are several benefits to the bus, which makes four return trips a day between Andover and Winchester with a stop in Stockbridge.

For patients the first and biggest advantage is arriving without the stress of trying to find a space in the busy car park at the hospital in Win-chester.

Secondly, the service is completely free and thirdly, the impact on the environment is lessened because there are less vehicles on the road. If present trends continue about 68,000 passenger miles will be saved in the first year.

Feedback from the survey did highlight some minor issues for improvement. These were afternoon timings and pick up points. These are being addressed.

The bus currently stops at Andover War Memorial Hospital, Andover Bus Station, Stockbridge and the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. The Trust is looking at whether other stops could be added to make the service even more convenient. The service can only be used by calling the booking office on 01428 751530.