The service, run by North of England Ambulance Service, was removed on Friday, March 5 after issues with licensing and taxation.

A spokesperson for Scarborough and North Yorkshire hospital trust, who deal with finding operators for the shuttle bus, said: "We are pleased to announce the shuttle bus service between Scarborough and Bridlington Hospitals resumed for patients, visitors and their escorts/carers on Friday March 12, with the first service departing from Bridlington Hospital at 7.45 am.

"Once again, we would like to take this opportunity to apologise to patients and visitors for any inconvenience and for your patience during this time."

The new minibuses, operated by Dial a Ride on an interim basis until June 30, are locally built, low-floor Bluebird vehicles which makes them easily accessible for all passengers including people requiring wheelchair access.

To comply with permit regulations, the service will only be available to patients, visitors and their escorts/carers.

The revised shuttle service departs from the main entrance at Scarborough Hospital, on the hour at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm.

The only changes in the service from the main entrance of Bridlington Hospital is that the 7.30am service has changed to 7.45am, and there is no longer an 8am service from Bridlington.

The shuttle will now travel from Bridlington at 7.45am, 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.

While the resumption is good news for those who use the service in Scarborough and Bridlington, Scarborough Borough Councillor Nick Harvey, who represents the Hertford ward and lives in Hunmanby, believes the service could be extended to pick up patients and visitors who live in the smaller villages between the two towns.

He said: "The service is well used and supported at the moment but unfortunately it is still difficult for those who live in the smaller rural villages between Bridlington and Scarborough to get to the hospital on time for their appointments.

"The 121 service run by East Yorkshire Motor Services is currently the only way a lot of people can get to the two towns and then another bus is needed from the town centre to the hospitals themselves.

"The service runs between Hull and Scarborough and is one of the longest passenger routes in the country, so if there is any kind of good weather or even roadworks along the way, delays can be common.

"Passengers get this bus hours early to ensure they'll make appointments on time, or they'll drive.

"I have written to the Scarborough hospital trust with this proposal, which will not only help the numerous elderly people living in the outlying villages, but go some way to solving the parking problems faced at both hospitals."