A BIRTHDAY celebration was held...for Colchester's Park and Ride.

Yesterday [tues] marked the third birthday of the facility opening off junction 28 of the A12.

The bus service, which Essex County Council says provides transport for over 200 people per day, has grown steadily in the three years.

It has seen a 22 per cent passenger increase since April 2015.

To celebrate the third anniversary, cookery students at Colchester Institute baked a large birthday cake to serve to customers and Park and Ride staff from Arriva and Mitie.

Ian Grundy, Essex County Council's cabinet member for Highways, said: “Happy birthday to Colchester Park and Ride; this is going to be an exciting year for the service as we introduce longer opening hours, a group discount ticket and children travel free in August.”

The leftover birthday cake was then taken to Colchester General Hospital to thank staff and visitors for using the bus service.

Colchester General Hospital was the first site to take up an offer of discounted volume tickets for its staff.

Last year the hospital was added as a stop on the park and ride route, via the Northern Approach Road.

Changes to improve passenger numbers include a one-year pilot of extended opening hours from 5.30am to 9pm, up from the existing 7am to 7pm which will launch soon.

This is aimed at allowing London commuters to use the facility and still be able to catch peak-time trains to the capital.

Other measures already in place include bulk ticket discounts for businesses.

Also introduced is a £5 off-peak group travel ticket, which can be used for up to two adults and three children, aimed at family groups or car-shares.

Other measures being considered include Sunday opening, and a season ticket for football supporters visiting the nearby Colchester United stadium.