BUS company First Devon and Cornwall says rising costs are to blame for increased fares which came into force on Sunday.

The prices of most single and return fares have gone up by between 5p and 25p for both adult and child fares.

The cost of pre-9.30am and post-11pm concession fares rise from £1.70 to £1.80. This applies to single journeys on any First service in Cornwall departing before 9.30am or after 11pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays) for those with a valid concession pass.

The price of FirstDay tickets are now £7.20 for adults, £5.50 for children and £12.40 for a family of five with a maximum of two adults, which the company says continues to offer excellent value with unlimited travel on all First buses in Cornwall for one day.

Prices for First3Day tickets are now adult, £16.50, and child, £10.50, with the family ticket remaining at £30 for any five people, with a maximum of two adults.

A First6Month Cornwall adult ticket has risen to £440 and the prices of 14-journey tickets has also increased – details of specific journeys are available from drivers.

But the company adds: 'We are pleased to announce we are reducing the prices of our FirstWeek Cornwall tickets from £37 to £25 for adults and from £56 to £35 for a family of five, with up to two adults. Children's FirstWeek tickets remain at £20.

'These tickets offer exceptional value with unlimited travel on all First buses in Cornwall for seven consecutive days.'