A BUS service has been granted a reprieve thanks to local campaigners.

The Dorset County Council subsidy for the No.3 Morebus service, which runs through Poole, Broadstone, Corfe Mullen and Wimborne, was removed completely last weekend.

The decision left a question mark over the future of the service, however Morebus has agreed to continue it over the winter at its own expense after meetings with local representatives - county councillor Susan Jefferies and Poole councillor Vikki Slade.

Andrew Wickham, Morebus managing director, said: "Council funding for this service ended on Saturday, but we have taken the decision to continue running the current timetable for the time being, entirely at our own cost.

"We will work with local stakeholders during the winter to develop a sustainable solution - which we would aim to introduce in May 2018.

"This is a significant investment for us, but we understand the importance of this service to those living and working in the area.

"We would encourage people to make good use of the number 3 service. If those in the area took just one journey a week, it would make a huge difference to the future of this route."

Liberal Democrat Cllr Jefferies said: "We are luckier than many more rural residents in Dorset who face absolutely no bus service as the Tories on Dorset County Council are determined to slash all subsidies.

"Vital journeys to hospitals and market towns will be lost.

"It is hoped the service will prove sustainable for the foreseeable future, especially if the bus company can find ways to make the service more popular.

"Morebus has confirmed that the loss of subsidy does leave a big gap in the funding for this route and, as usual it is a case of use it or lose it."

Fellow Lib Dem Cllr Slade said: "Frequent, reliable bus services are good for the community and good for the environment and we urge residents to support the service so it can grow for the long term.

"With parking charges being regularly increased the bus is becoming a great alternative means of transport and with improved access to buses for those with mobility issues and free wifi and charging points, it is also becoming a more comfortable and less stressful means of travel."