Dog owners in Newton Aycliffe, Ferryhill and Chilton will soon be able to send their pets on a "tail-wagging adventure" after Billy's Bus announced a new County Durham route.
The popular doggy daycare transport service is launching a new Monday route from October 26, picking up four-legged passengers from the three towns before taking them for a day of fun and socialising.
The announcement was made on Bridge Creative's Facebook page, which partners with Billy's Bus to operate routes across County Durham.
From left, Trevor Tinkler - volunteer bus driver, Lynn Renwick - deputy managing director, Dean Wylie - work experience and Donna Kelly - Billy's Buss lead worker. (Image: STUART BOULTON)
They said: "Newton Aycliffe, Ferryhill & Chilton, Billy's Bus is coming to you.
"Billy's Bus is the dog's day out where every trip is a tail-wagging adventure."
The service will collect dogs from Ferryhill, Chilton and Newton Aycliffe every Monday, alongside its existing County Durham routes on Thursdays and Fridays.
(Image: STUART BOULTON)
Donna Kelly with Billy's Bus dogs. (Image: STUART BOULTON)
Thursday services cover Darlington and Heighington, while Friday routes operate in Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland and Shildon.
Dogs travelling on the distinctive yellow bus are taken for a day of exercise, playtime and socialisation, including visits to the Bark Park, before being dropped back home.
Lynn Renwick with the Billy's Bus. (Image: STUART BOULTON)
Billy's Bus was founded in Yorkshire in January last year by dog lover Laura Mohan.
Laura Mohan. (Image: LAURA MOHAN)
The 45-year-old, who previously spent 12 years working with adults with learning difficulties, said she wanted to combine her passion for dogs with her desire to help others.
Ms Mohan said she was inspired by dog transport services she had seen online, particularly K9 Convoy in America.
She said: "I was a huge fan of K9 Convoy in America, which is the biggest dog bus in America.
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"It always made me smile. I just loved the idea."
The business has since grown rapidly and launched in County Durham in August through a partnership with Bridge Creative, an organisation that supports young adults with autism or learning disabilities into employment.
Every Friday, members of the organisation drive Billy's Bus around County Durham, collecting canine passengers before taking them to the Bark Park at Bracks Farm.