A new bookable minibus is set to provide a lifeline for residents of rural villages in South Bucks who struggle to get into town.

After funding from Buckinghamshire County Council, a six month pilot scheme will start on Tuesday to link Turville, Frieth, Fingest, Skirmett and Hambleden with Marlow and Henley.

The community transport solution came after a survey of more than 600 homes in the Hambleden Valley which showed a need for a shopping bus, especially for the elderly and those too young to drive.

The £4,500 cost of the experiment is being met by Buckinghamshire County Council's South West Chilterns and Marlow Local Area Forum (LAF).

County councillor Jean Teesdale, chairman of the LAF, said: "We're very keen to respond to what residents are saying, which is why we're supporting this pilot as one of our Local Priorities.

"After six months we'll review and decide whether it should seek to continue as a formal community transport scheme."

BCC community links officer, Tom Hudson, said the survey showed that Valley residents who had no access to a car, found it difficult to drive, or were too young to drive, would prefer not to rely on neighbours or family for shopping trips or for appointments in town.

Residents will be able to book the Tuesday and Thursday minibuses by midday the day before by phoning their reservation to 01491 313114.

The driver will chart a flexible route through Turville, Frieth, Fingest, Skirmett and Hambleden to pick up passengers from their homes and run them to Marlow for shopping on a Tuesday.

And a service to Henley’s large market will be available on a Thursday.

Passengers will get the door-to-door service for a flat return fare of £5.

The pilot, being run by Hambleden Valley Community Transport (HVCT), uses spare capacity on the Henley Handibus scheme.

The trial also complements a community car scheme in Hambleden Valley started by Marlow Age Concern in May for medical appointments.

The last time buses served the valley was between 2004 and 2009 when the Hambleden Rider linked the village with Marlow and the railway station six times a day.