A new countryside bus service is being launched thanks to a £313,000 government grant.

The money will pay for the Route 99 between Chichester and Petworth, which will be "demand responsive" as well as stopping at existing bus stops.

It means passengers will be able to contact a booking line to ask for a message to be sent to the driver by computer with details of where to stop.

West Sussex County Council says the bus will help end social isolation for people living in many villages between Chichester and Petworth.

Passengers will be able to use the service free of charge during the first two weeks of July.

Route 99 will provide six return journeys a day from Monday to Saturday with three extra services on Friday and Saturday nights.