Paulton pupils will be able to catch the bus to school after all, thanks to talks between transport companies and the West of England Authority.

Pupils and parents were left disappointed in August when a raft of bus cuts were announced, including the number 82 Paulton to Radstock (Tyning) route, which serves communities there and in Midsomer Norton.

Bus company, First, said then that they could no longer operate the service, and parents feared that their children would be left stranded.

But despair has turned to delight this week, following an announcement by Metro mayor, Dan Norris, who said talks had taken place and the situation had been saved.

The mayor told The Journal that students and parents reacted with delight following his announcement that the 82 bus service, which serves communities in Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Paulton, is set to be saved.

There had been fears that school children would be left high and dry when First announced they would no longer run the service, he said, but after intensive talks, the West of England Authority – led by mayor 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 Norris explained.

He added: “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 number 82 bus service has been saved. We all know what a lifeline 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.”