A NEW community bus service for the Forest of Dean starts on Monday.

Forest Community Transport is a not-for-profit organisation that will replace services 705, 707, 708 and 709.

The new services are 701 from St Briavels and Scowles to Coleford, 707 between Coleford and Chepstow and 709 between Symonds Yat and Coleford.

The new service is part of Lydney Dial-a-Ride and had its official launch at the base at Lydney Town Hall.

Chair of Forest Community Transport Mr Derek Biddle said: "This is a very exciting time for us.

"We are branching out (from Dial-a-Ride) and we are confident that it will be a success."

Forest Community Transport manager Louise Currie added: "This is all about providing a service for the people of the Forest of Dean."