A bus company has been forced to remind passengers about queuing etiquette after complaints of unruly behaviour on one of Dorset's most scenic bus services.

Some customers, including pensioners armed with free bus passes, have been accused of a lack of manners and pushing in by 'piling' on to the Purbeck Breezer to get the best seats.

The open-top double decker runs from Bournemouth to Swanage, on a 12 mile coastal route via Canford Cliffs, Poole Harbour and Sandbanks, before boarding the chain ferry.

The 80 minute service is incredibly popular with holidaymakers, especially the over 65s who can use it for free, and is regularly packed out on nice days.

But there have been reports of incidents of passengers jostling for position when the bus arrives at key stops along the route.

One parent described how her 10-year-old son was nearly 'knocked off his feet by elderly folk' boarding the bus while another had to console his five-year-old son when a pensioner beat him to the front seat on the top deck.

Retired Robin Brasher told how one 'relatively young OAP' pushed in front of him but nobody complained as he was bigger than them.

Two of the flashpoint stops are at the Bournemouth Travel Interchange, where the service starts and where people gather to choose the best seats, and Bournemouth Square, which is close to the resort's hotels.

Bus company Morebus has had to put up large signs at bus stops specifically for Purbeck Breezer passengers that read 'keep calm and queue nicely' in response to complaints about a lack of courtesy.

Mum Vicki Edwards said she experienced people jumping the queue. She said: "My boys stood aside to let a number of elderly folks on recently.

"Not one thank you, one pushed past and almost knocked my 10 year old over. Bringing them up to be gentleman but few role models out there. I reckon it's competitive bus syndrome."

One dad said: "We waited 20 minutes for the bus as my son wanted to get a good seat upstairs. By the time it arrived there must have been 40 or 50 passengers, mostly elderly people.

"When the doors opened everyone just piled on and queuing went out the window. It wasn't rowdy but there was a definite lack of manners. My son ran upstairs and found the front seats already taken by a couple who had been behind us in the queue."

Most of the reviews for the Purbeck Breezer on TripAdvisor are very favourable, although one passenger described it as 'just a day out for old people.'

One reviewer on TripAdvisor wrote: "A delightful trip through stunning 'Enid Blyton' countryside...but the popularity of the ride means it is best to start from the terminus and to arrive early in order to get a good seat."

Another customer posted: "My mother and I had to stand for about 1/2 the way because it was packed, she is 86 years old.

"The journey back wasn't that bad but the bus was full as it left Swanage bus station. Some of the locals who need this service have real trouble in catching this service."

Another reviewer wrote: "It was a beautiful day and the bus was full in leaving Bournemouth, so much so that some passengers could not get on.

"The journey is stunning...you see some stunning countryside and waterways."

A spokesman for Morebus said they have received comments about a lack of consideration from some of those queuing.

Adam Keen, area manager for Morebus, said: "Our Breezer services are exceptionally popular. English concessionary passes are valid on Breezer services all weekend and on weekdays after 9.30am.

"The popularity of these services is due to the picturesque routes they follow.

"We occasionally get comments about passengers boarding at the Bournemouth Interchange - they do this in order to choose their seats before the bus reaches the Square.

"We do everything possible to encourage courtesy among those boarding and our signs in Bournemouth reflect this.

"Our team will continue to monitor the boarding situation and work closely with our customers to ensure that all who travel with us enjoy our Breezer routes in safety and comfort."