TWO Purbeck bus services are in the running to be named as Britain's most scenic routes.

Bus Users UK, a passenger watchdog, has nominated Morebus' Purbeck Breezers for the national accolade - and voting is now open online to find the overall winners.

Morebus general manager Adam Keen said: "We are incredibly lucky to be blessed with wonderful coast and countryside here in Dorset, so I’m not at all surprised these two routes are among the top contenders.

"There are of course other beautiful landscapes across the UK, but we don’t think any other bus routes can compete with these, with the wonderful views on offer."

Both the Purbeck Breezer 50 and the Purbeck Breezer 40 services have been nominated in the online poll.

The route 40 travels from Swanage to Poole, taking in Corfe Castle and Wareham along the way.

While the 50 route, linking Bournemouth to Swanage, is a bus journey that attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year, particularly during the summer months.

It takes a scenic trip through Sandbanks, one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in the country, before boarding the Sandbanks chain ferry and on through Studland, with its beaches and protected heathlands.

Mr Keen said: "Those who travel on our Purbeck Breezer 50 service have the opportunity to do so on open top buses during the warmer months of the year, making the experience even more memorable.

"We are hopeful those who have journeyed with us along these routes will show their support by voting for us."

Bus Users UK is an organisation campaigning for better bus services, while championing the interests of bus and coach users.

Claire Walters, Bus Users UK chief executive, said: "The main aim of the survey is to celebrate Britain's best bus routes and encourage more people to experience the spectacular views of our rugged coastline, mountain passes, lakes, moors and dales without having to worry about driving, directions or parking.

"We are fortunate to still have many regular routes that serve rural communities in such a wide variety of breath-taking countryside."

Passengers can vote for their favourite scenic bus routes by visiting bususers.org and following the links.