Stagecoach has confirmed it will stop operating a number of bus routes across the county from next month.

But Norfolk County Council has announced many of the routes, including the Coasthopper which runs between King's Lynn and Cromer, will continue to run as operators Lynx, Sanders Coaches and West Norfolk Community Transport have stepped in to save them.

Last month, 6,000 people signed an online petition pleading for the well-used coastal bus service to be saved.

Stagecoach has confirmed they will be withdrawing from a number of bus routes from Saturday, April 28.

The replacement bus operators have agreed to cover the services on a predominantly commercial basis, with some services and timetables differing to currently existing ones and some areas may see a reduction in the level of service.

Martin Wilby, chairman of Norfolk County Council's environment, development and transport committee, said: 'It's very welcome news that the future of services on the Coasthopper route looks to be secure.

'Our transport team and local operators have been working hard to make sure that as far as possible the former Stagecoach services continue to run.

'Some services and timetables may differ from now. We're expecting to have much greater detail on routes and timings over the coming days.

'As details emerge and services switch over to new providers we'll continue to work with operators to review services by looking at passenger numbers and listening to customer feedback.'

A council spokesman added that services will continue to be reviewed and developed, taking into account things like passenger numbers, customer feedback and key connections.

Within the next three weeks the council's transport team will be writing to those who hold a pass issued by the county council to confirm any new travel arrangements.

Those who have a pass issued by Stagecoach will need to contact them directly regarding any possible reimbursement.

Passengers are advised to check new timetables with individual operators on their websites which will be available within the next two weeks.

To find out which provider will be running your bus service in future, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/stagecoach.