Barnes Coaches is gradually restarting its day trips later this month now that the government's lockdown guidelines have eased.

The Swindon-based coach service will begin bringing passengers to newly-reopened attractions, museums, beaches and venues around the country from Saturday July 11.

The first trip since the pandemic began will be to Swanage via the Sandbanks ferry, with a day out to Weymouth planned for July 12. Other journeys in the pipeline include Bournemouth, Highclere Castle, Poole, Southsea and Portsmouth.

A spokesman for the company said: "Please be assured as a company, we are doing everything we can to ensure that your time on board is safe and your trip is still to our high, reputable standard we are known for.

"We have introduced new health and safety measures for passengers while on board with us. We do ask that all passengers to follow these alterations to ensure everyone’s safety.

"These last few months have been difficult for all of us and we are so thankful for the support our customers have shown to us. We are looking forward to welcoming our loved customers back onboard."

If the dates need to change as a result of new government advice in the next few weeks, the company has other options available for passengers to choose from.

These include a transfer onto another day trip, a full refund, or a refund credit note which is valid for a whole year from the date it is issued and will give people more time to decide on a future trip.

During lockdown, its drivers helped dozens of elderly and vulnerable people by running errands like food shopping or picking up prescriptions for those who could not leave their home.

The Happy to Help campaign began on March 18 and has helped up to 60 shielding people every week without charging them a penny over the last few months.

To view the company's day trip programme, visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk/daytrips

For more information on the health and safety procedures put in place on coaches, visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk/coronavirus-safety