ACTOR Alexander Vlahos, star of hit BBC series Versailles, is encouraging residents to use York's Park and Ride bus service this summer.

The actor, who is currently playing Romeo in the Shakespeare's Rose Theatre production of Romeo and Juliet, has apparently been making good use of the city's bus services during his ten week stay in York.

And he is urging visitors and theatregoers to use the park and ride at Askham Bar throughout the summer, with the service's opening hours extended into the evenings until September 2.

City of York Council’s executive member for transport and planning, Cllr Peter Dew, said: “I’m pleased to hear that Alexander has enjoyed using the city’s bus services during his stay in York.”

Marc Bichtemann, managing director of First York, which operates the Park and Ride service on behalf of City of York Council, said: “If you’re planning on visiting York this summer, the late night Park and Ride service to and from Askham Bar enables you to extend your visit into the evening.

"The bus stops on Tower Street are just a couple of minutes’ walk from Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre and there will always be a bus available after every evening performance.”

For timetables and information visit itravelyork.info.