A new daily coach service linking north and south-west Wales will be extended to cover Holyhead.

TaithCymru, which launches next month, will run most of its nine daily return trips between Bangor and Carmarthen - but one late night journey each day will be extended to serve Holyhead's railway station and port.

The Welsh Government says it will improve connections with rail and ferry services for customers travelling to and from Anglesey and Ireland.

The Transport for Wales (TfW) service, which launches on Sunday 25th October, will also stop at Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth and Aberaeron.

Operators Edwards Coaches and Llew Jones have begun recruiting drivers for the service, which aims to cut journey times by more than an hour.

Lee Robinson, executive director for regional transport at TFW, said: “This appointment is an important step towards giving customers a new way to travel across Wales."

He added: “The daily late-night extension to Holyhead will also strengthen links with Anglesey, Ireland and the wider public transport network."

"Edwards Coaches and Llew Jones bring valuable experience and local knowledge, and we look forward to working with them to deliver a service customers can rely on.”

Last month, the Welsh Government unveiled its plans for TaithCymru in Bangor as part of a 100-day commitment.

£2 million is being allocated for the first year of operations, including the purchase of eight new coaches and an online booking system, with each journey expected to last between 4 hours 45 minutes and five hours.

Jessica Thomas from Edwards Coaches said: “We’re proud to have been chosen as the lead operator for TaithCymru. This is an exciting new service that will make journeys across Wales quicker and simpler, and we’re pleased to be working with Llew Jones to bring it to life.

“We’re now recruiting drivers to join our team and help us provide the friendly, dependable service our customers expect.”

Steve Jones from Llew Jones added: “The service will create better links for the communities we serve and open up more sustainable travel options."

“We’re also looking for drivers to join us and play a key role in introducing this important new connection.”