A THIRD free city centre bus service has begun in Manchester.

The new route will serve Salford Central rail station and the newly devleoped Spinningfields area for the first time.

The extended service will also link Manchester Piccadilly, Oxford Street, Peter Street, Albert Square and Princess Street.

It will run every eight minutes in peak periods 7-9.30am, and 4.30 to 7pm.

Off peak services will be every 10 minutes.

The service - Metroshuttle- is operated by First Manchester and funded by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, Manchester City Council, NCP Manchester and Allied London Properties.