A "vital" bus route destined for the axe has been saved following a huge uproar among villagers.

The number 11, which runs between Canterbury and Thanet, was set to be completely lost as part of cost-saving measures by operator Stagecoach.

But now it has been confirmed that council and bus company officials have found a way to keep the service running in a limited capacity.

It will continue to operate for school journeys and provide one off-peak round trip each weekday.

Preston Parish Council chairman Tom Gale praised the collaborative efforts of parish, city and county councillors, as well as MP Craig Mackinlay and Stagecoach bosses.

“We're really pleased the service is being replaced by a watered-down version - it’s vital to our community," said Cllr Gale.

“All the local parish councils joined forces and I had a dialogue with the leader of KCC and our local MP Craig Mackinlay, who met with Stagecoach.

“He made it clear he was really keen to save the 11 bus, and obviously they’ve listened to us.

“It doesn’t always work out that way but I’m really glad they understood the importance of that route to our community, so, credit where credit’s due."

County and city councillor Mike Sole (Lib Dem) had organised a petition to keep the number 11 bus route, which is vital for the residents of his County Council Division of Canterbury South, and it received over 1,000 signatures.

Speaking of the U-turn, he said: “It is brilliant news and a great result for everyone involved in campaigning to retain the service.

“We had an amazing response to my petition and were able to show the strength of public opinion and opposition to withdrawing the service."

The bus service is particularly important to residents and school pupils in rural communities, including Plucks Gutter, Stourmouth, Preston, Ickham, and Wickhambreaux.

Stagecoach made the call to axe the route in July but after a strong reaction from affected communities, KCC agreed to fund the continuation of the service.

Dan Watkins is the deputy cabinet member for highways and transport at KCC. He worked to convince Stagecoach to keep the route running.

“Where a commercial bus service is withdrawn by the operator, Kent County Council will work with the local bus industry to assess what options may be available to retain some or part of the service," he said.

“While some routes cannot be salvaged, we're pleased that on this occasion a solution has been found to ensure the majority of residents living in the rural communities served by the number 11 bus will retain a service for their daily travel.”

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “We are continuing discussions with the local authority on the future of this service."