BUS fares in Cumbria on Stagecoach North West buses will rise with effect from Sunday, October 17.

Single and return fares will be increased while daily and weekly prices are being frozen at their current levels.

Single fares will increase by 5p up to £1.65, by 10p up to £2.65, 15p up to £3.75 and 25p above that.

Stagecoach North West managing director Nigel Barrett commented that the company's strategy should make it beneficial for many customers to switch to daily or weekly tickets. He put the increases down to rising operating costs.

The company has been particularly affected by recent rises in fuel costs, which have exceeded ten per cent. Fares were last increased in this area in November 2003.