FORMER Doctor Who star Colin Baker will still be able to get around the country without his trusty TARDIS thanks to a new free bus pass scheme.

The ex-Timelord is endorsing a Department for Transport plan that will enable over-60s and the disabled to have free bus travel at off-peak hours anywhere in England.

Colin, who now lives in High Wycombe and has a regular column in the Bucks Free Press, said: "Since handing over the keys of the TARDIS to younger regenerations of myself and finding employment in other areas of entertainment, I no longer have my trusty old Police Box to take me from place to place.

"But thanks to this new initiative I can still get from my home in High Wycombe to theatres all over the country easily and free of charge on the new bus pass for the over 60s - and being 900 years old I qualify.

"I can travel between counties, even between regions, for free - and not a Dalek in sight."

From April 1 people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people, will be able to take advantage of free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England.

Off-peak hours are from 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays and anytime on weekends and Bank Holidays.

Those wishing to take advantage of the new scheme are required to register for their new pass from their local Travel Concession Authority by April 1. For more general information about the national concession, log on to www.direct.gov.uk/buspass.