SALE pensioner Eric Shakeshaft took a ticket to ride - and travelled the length of the country by bus.

Eric and his brother-in-law David Whatmough, from Bacup, took advantage of the new national free bus pass to travel from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Land's End.

The pair covered the 630-mile journey in five days, three hours and 29 minutes, completing 37 bus journeys as they passed through locations that included Stockton-on-Tees, Sheffield, Kidderminster, Thornbury and Bodmin.

Retired engineer Eric, aged 64, and David, 63, said they would recommend the trip to others.

Grandfather Eric, of Broadoaks Road, said: "We just did it for the craic and because we could do it. It was a very good trip. You really see the country and meet some characters."