A "lifeline" bus service which had been under threat in Saffron Walden has been saved following a campaign by the Saffron Walden Reporter.

The paper acted after the Royal Mail said it was axing the area's 'post bus' service to save money.

The service allowed locals, mainly pensioners, to get a lift into the town centre with a delivery van which doubled as a minibus, as the driver completed his round.

The paper called on Royal Mail to reconsider its decision and allow the scheme to continue - and Essex County Council has now stepped in to offer a replacement service two days a week, free of charge.

It will run on Tuesdays and Fridays following the same route and timetable as the post bus, taking residents from Langley, Clavering, Wicken Bonhunt, Littlebury and Newport into Saffron Walden.

Saffron Walden Reporter assistant editor Tracy Hubbard said its campaign had received widespread support.

She said: "Not that many people use the post bus, but it is a lifeline for those that do.

"It's nice to be able to support it and help get it back on the road."

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