A Carlisle woman has launched a petition for women to receive a bus pass at the age of 60 rather than 65.

Christine Russell, of Stanwix, was amazed to see that she had amassed almost 3,000 signatures just a few days after the online launch.

She said: "In some areas of the country you do get a bus pass when you turn 60, but it depends where you are.

"In Scotland, Ireland and Wales you can get one when you're 60 and in London and Merseyside as well.

"I think it should be everywhere as not everyone can afford to pay bus fares.

"You have got to be state pension age before you can get one."

It was while in London on holiday that Mrs Russell thought about the unfairness.

She said: "The people we were with could travel on the buses for free but we couldn't, so I decided to launch the online petition.

"It would also ease our financial burden because we are denied the state pension.

"The petition was shared on social media and it soon gathered pace. I want it to reach as many people as possible."

Mrs Russell hopes to reach 10,000 signatures. If her petition reaches that figure then the Government will respond.

She said: "I have emailed the MPs John Stevenson and Sue Hayman but I have yet to hear anything from them.

"I just think if they lowered the bus pass age to 60 then it would help the local economy.

"It would boost the shops as people would go out and not feel so isolated and they would spend money in cafes getting a coffee and things so everyone would benefit."

To sign Christine's petition go online and head to petition.parliament.uk/petitions/201217