RACEGOERS at Chepstow can soon swap the car for the bus and the train thanks to a new shuttle service operated by a Gwent bus firm.

Newport Transport is to operate a shuttle service from Chepstow Train Station to the town's racecourse, via the town's bus station, on race days.

It is the latest move by the operator to expand outside of its city base.

The operator said it is the first time Chepstow Racecourse has agreed a partnership with a major operator to run a service at every race meeting.

Scott Pearson, managing director of Newport Transport, said: "This is an exciting new partnership for Newport Transport and one that underlines our desire to be a true regional provider of public transport."

Previously the company operated the Six Nations Park and Ride bus service in Cardiff.

The company recently altered its X30 service to serve the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, and last year launched an express service from Newport to Monmouth.

The new race-day service will begin on July 15 and will be free to use for the next five races at the Racecourse. From August 9 the racecourse service will cost £3 for a return ticket.