BUS operator First York is to reduce or axe many services in York.

From April 26, many services will run less frequently and some evening services will stop altogether.

The firm's Airlink service to Leeds Bradford Airport is also being scrapped after a two-year trial.

Dave Alexander, managing director for First in North and West Yorkshire, said: "During the final quart of last year, and like many other businesses, we experienced a decline in the number of customers using our services.

"As a result, regrettably, we are taking action now to implement changes to certain services to ensure the business is prepared for the future."

He added: "First has decided to stop running the Airlink service after a two-year trial, because it is not commercially viable.

"In simple terms, not enough people are using the service and, if economic predictions are correct, this is likely to get worse over the next few months."

Within York, the Number 10, 12 and 13 buses will no longer run after 7.30pm and there will be reduced frequency on routes 1, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Some services that currently run every half-hour will be reduced to every hour.

First said City of York Council had voiced disappointment over the changes, but First vowed to keep the performance under review and to respond to any upturn in the economy.

The company is also launching a new half-hourly service between York and Leeds city centres, also stopping at Tadcaster and Seacroft.