BUS passengers in Torfaen are celebrating after an axed service was re-instated - thanks to the police.

The evening route from Pontypool to Trevethin was terminated last year by bus company Stagecoach after drivers and passengers were subjected to stone attacks from gangs. All Stagecoach services as far as the shopping area in north Trevethin stopped after 7pm because it was deemed too dangerous.

Then, in a trial scheme , Trevethin's community officer, police constable Len Oliver, travelled in uniform on buses with drivers and passengers.

The initiative proved so successful that the route is now open again - with Goytre-based company Welcome Travel winning the contract from Stage-coach.

Regular user Ann Beck, 62, (pictured) from Newman Road, Trev-ethin, said she was delighted it was back in action.

The Pontypool community councillor added: "I'm glad that this evening service, so vital to the community of Trevethin, is running again.

"The situation was abs-olutely horrendous, with constant attacks from vandals throwing stones.

"Drivers were driving in the dark, not knowing if a stone was coming towards them." One Stagecoach bus driver - who asked not to be named - said: "Lives were being put at risk and one driver had the windscreen in front of his face smashed by stones.

"The young kids throwing them know what they are doing." Another added: "The kids are as young as nine and they used to take aim at the driver's face. It was absolutely terrifying."

Sergeant Richard Brake, from Pontypool police, said: "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of PC Oliver, who has a great deal of local knowledge, and increased police presence, the problems in the area have been successfully tackled."

*The Argus reported a number of incidents tow-ards the end of last year, when bus drivers and passengers in Newport were subjected to a terrifying catalogue of attacks. Windscreens were smash-ed, and a driver was attacked in Alway. Newport Transport temporarily cancelled services throughout the city, including those to Hartridge High School, Underwood, and Duffryn.