AS the summer holidays arrive families are being encouraged to hop on a bus to have a great day out - and leave less car on the roads.

Ruth Vigor-Hedderly, Buckinghamshire County Council cabinet member for transport, is encouraging families to 'get out there' during the school holidays and explore Buckinghamshire's beautiful countryside and town attractions by bus.

It's all part of Ruth's team's continuing campaign to promote greener travel and reduce congestion on the roads. Many bus operators offer good value group or family day tickets, and during the school holiday several attractions will be offering discounts to bus passengers producing a valid ticket when they visit or book.

Ruth said: "We've lots of routes in Buckinghamshire and many of them serve great places to visit: like Burnham Beeches, Hughenden Manor, Waddesdon Manor, not to mention walks in the Chilterns. The bus is a wonderful way to explore the county."

Attractions offering summer holiday discounts to bus passengers from July 23 to September 3 include: Hughenden Manor: £1 off entry fee.

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden: 2 for 1 on entry.

Roald Dahl Children's Gallery, Aylesbury: 2 for 1 on entry, one free child with every full paying adult.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre: £5 off tickets for What the Ladybird Heard.

Aqua Vale in Aylesbury: Free upgrade from a small to a large slush iced drink in the cafe. Fitness membership sign up, with no contract or joining fee.

For full offer details and inspiration about summer visits by bus please see the 'Great days out by bus' page www.buckscc.go.uk/travelinfo which contains information about bus routes. Or visit www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk to plan a journey.