A Kent coach service to Stansted Airport is being axed due to a lack of passengers.

The 260 National Express shuttle, which runs from Canterbury to the Essex airport via Maidstone, Chatham, Bluewater and Stratford, will no longer run despite it being a “vital service for many”.

It was launched in June last year.

Operated by Medway-based The Kings Ferry, part of the National Express group since 2007, it currently runs six times a day with fares starting from £8.50 one-way.

The coach takes around three hours and 25 minutes to get to the airport.

A spokesman for National Express, said: "The 260 service from Canterbury to Stansted Airport will cease operating as of Sunday, October 1.

“We continuously review our network and after careful consideration, the decision was made based on low passenger numbers which means it's simply no longer viable for us to run this service.

“We appreciate some people will be disappointed and while it won't be as convenient, customers can travel by coach to Stansted Airport with a connection in London."

Giulia Baldoni, from Maidstone, found out about the 260 route’s demise when she was attempting to pre-book tickets for the service for dates in November and December.

The 34-year-old said: “The website said the service didn't exist, so I contacted the National Express client support on Messenger. I was eventually told the service was currently under review.”

A few days later the cancellation of the service was confirmed.

Giulia, who has relatives in Italy, added: “I often travel abroad to see my family and I've used the service at least five or six times in the last 12 months, together with my partner. I’ve lost count of how many tickets I’ve bought.

“Stopping this service will mean it will definitely be more difficult and expensive to travel and we may reduce our trips abroad.

‘I hoped it would stay running as it seems like a vital service for many...’

“This is the only affordable way of travelling to Stansted. I also used the bus during train strikes and it was packed with people.

“Again, it was the only reasonable way to get to London during the strikes. I also had friends coming over from London and I suggested the National Express as a way of getting to Maidstone and they were impressed with the service too.

“It's always reliable, on time, and you can track it on the app. It’s also easy to purchase tickets and the client support is outstanding.

“It will be a shame when they cancel this service. I hoped it would stay running as it seems like a vital service for many.”

The National Express spokesman apologised for loss of the service but stressed the lack of passengers had made it unable to continue.