WEST Dorset bus routes are set to switch to a reduced schedule over the holiday season.

Throughout the Christmas period, bus operator First Wessex will be operating a reduced level of service from Thursday, December 24 to Saturday, January 2.

This affects the X51 between Axminster, Bridport and Dorchester and the X53 between Axminster, Bridport and Weymouth.

The two routes will operate a Saturday service on Christmas Eve before stopping on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Sunday services will run on Sunday, December 27 and Monday, December 28 before switching to a Saturday service from Tuesday, December 29 through to Thursday, December 31 (New Year's Eve).

There will be no service on New Year's Day and services will return to the usual schedule from Saturday, January 2.

For more information on First Wessex’s services and its Christmas schedule, visit www.firstgroup.com