Our reporter Dorothy likes to get out and about on public transport

Here she gives useful advice on the use of bus passes and Metro Gold Cards.

In England, you can apply for a bus pass as soon as you reach the state retirement age. If you are disabled, you can apply for a pass at any time. Apply for an older person's bus pass - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you're not sure if you qualify, contact Nexus on 0191 2020747 or visit their website www.nexus.org.uk  It's always worth enquiring - they can only say no.

If you find that you do qualify for a "disabled person's bus pass", you may be able to obtain a pass for your carer too.

Your bus pass will allow you to travel after 9.30 on weekdays and at any time over the weekend.

If you live in the Tyne/Wear area, you might consider buying a Metro Gold Card. This costs £12 for 365 days. If you live outside the area and have a bus pass, you'll need to pay £24. My sister frequently visits me from Hampshire and makes good use of her Gold Card while she's here.

The Metro Gold Card is loaded on to your bus pass. You can do this at any station. If you're unsure what to do, press the Information button and a member of the Nexus team will talk you through the process. You can pay by cash or card.

Just like your bus pass, you can use your Metro Gold Card from 9.30 a.m. on weekdays and all day at weekends. In July and August, and the period from Christmas to New Year, there are no restrictions at all. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ONLY APPLIES TO YOUR METRO GOLD CARD.

Your Metro Gold Card will take you anywhere on the Metro system, as well as the Shields Ferry. You can also travel free on the Northern trains from Sunderland to Newcastle. To do this, you need to ring Northern to obtain a special pass. It hardly seems worth it as both locations are well served by Metro trains.

If you're looking after grandchildren, you may already know that up to three children aged 11 or under can travel free with you. Because you've paid for your Metro Gold Card, you're regarded as a "full paying passenger". During the school summer holidays, some bus companies operate a similar scheme, but you'll need to check on their websites first. If you can't manage that, your grandchildren will almost certainly be able to do it for you! Armed with your bus pass (and hopefully your Metro Gold Card) you'll be able to go wherever your fancy takes you. We have so many interesting places within easy travelling distances - Durham, Hartlepool, Chester-le- Street, Corbridge, Hexham, Whitley Bay - the list is never-ending.
Look after your bus pass, as it's a prized possession. I lost mine recently and it was replaced within a week at no charge. It used to be £5 for a replacement but that's changed. A word of caution though - you'll lose whatever was left on your Metro Gold Card and will need to pay £12 for another 365 days of travel.

Please note the above information only applies to England. Happy Travelling