Young people in North Ayrshire are being encouraged to apply for a national free bus travel scheme.

Earlier this year, all five to 21-year-olds living in Scotland became eligible to sign up for a card entitling them to travel on buses free of charge.

But many youngsters are yet to take up the offer, and could be missing out on saving opportunities and the chance to do their bit for the planet by travelling more sustainably.

The council's leader, Cllr Marie Burns, said: “This is a ground-breaking scheme which is already making a positive difference to the lives of our young people.

“With the current cost of living crisis affecting all of us, we don’t want anyone to miss out on significant savings which can be made during their everyday travel, whether for education, work or leisure.”

To apply for free bus travel, applicants first need a Young Scot or National Entitlement Card (NEC). Children under 16 will require parental consent.

Once you have received your Young Scot or National Entitlement Card they can then download free bus travel onto their existing card using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app.

To make things easier for youngsters, North Ayrshire Council schools have offered to take care of the application process automatically if parents and carers give their consent.

If you require assisting submitting an application for yourself or a dependent, you can email necadmin@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.

The free bus travel initiative is being delivered by the Scottish Government through its agency Transport Scotland.

In addition to providing accessibly bus travel, the free National Entitlement Card allows you access to council services as well as Young Scot discounts and special offers. It can also be used for proof of age.