Thousands of families across England could save money this month after a major Government scheme offering free bus travel for children got underway.

The initiative launched on August 1 and will run until August 31, allowing every child aged between five and 15 to travel free on participating local bus services. No registration is needed, with the Government saying the scheme is aimed at helping parents keep the cost of summer holidays down.

More than £100million has been committed to fund the free fares scheme and support bus operators. Ministers estimate that a family with two children making one return bus journey each week could save around £27 over the course of August.

The free travel offer forms part of the Government's "Great British Summer Savings" campaign, which is designed to reduce the pressure on household budgets during the school holidays. Alongside free bus journeys, ministers are planning targeted cuts to tariffs on more than 100 imported food products, including biscuits, chocolate, dried fruit and nuts, with the aim of lowering food prices for shoppers.

Former chancellor, Rachel Reeves said: "My number one priority is protecting households from rising costs. This summer I want every family to be able to enjoy themselves, that’s why we’re launching the Great British Summer Savings Scheme, and why we’re helping kids with free bus travel throughout August.

"As the war in Iran pushes prices up at home, my economic plan is the right one. I will continue to make the right choices, to protect households and businesses, and build a stronger and more secure Britain."

The Government says the package builds on wider cost-of-living support already announced this year, with free bus travel available until the end of August on participating local services across England.