Students and parents have reacted with delight after Metro Mayor Dan Norris announced that the 82 bus service which serves communities in Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Paulton is set to be saved.

There has been fears that school children would be left high and dry after First announced they would no longer run the service, but after intensive talks, the West of England Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, has found another company, Libra, who have agreed to run the bus and final talks are now taking place.

First have also agreed to amend the timetable of the 379 bus from 15.10 to 15.45 to coincide with the end of the school day.

Mayor Dan Norris said: "I'm pleased we're in the final stretch of talks to secure a service that's so important for students living in Paulton, Radstock and surrounding areas. I promised we would leave no stone unturned in the search for a solution. My thanks to Cllr Liz Hardman and Cllr Grant Johnson for their support."

Paulton Councillor Grant Johnson said: "I'm thrilled to learn that the No 82 bus service has been saved. We all know what a life line this is for our school children in Paulton, and for elderly and less able residents across the Somer Valley. My thanks go to Dan Norris for listening to our particular concerns in Paulton and for making sure this vital service was saved."