BBC Radio Norfolk's Treasure Quest show, which has been running for almost 15 years, appears to have been cancelled.

In an email seen by this newspaper, the station confirmed it will only broadcast localised programming from 6am to 2pm under new proposals, with only local news and Norwich City commentary surviving at weekends.

It came after a fan of Treasure Chest, which is broadcast on a Sunday, emailed the BBC to ask about the show's future.

In the message, the BBC said it had needed to "make some difficult choices" as it adapted its programming for digital services.

The email also featured a quote from the BBC's director of nations Rhodri Talfan Davies, which said: "Change is never easy and we will work closely with all our colleagues to introduce these proposals sensitively and fairly." 

It comes after Treasure Quest fans took to social media in an attempt to stop the plans, describing the show as a "lifeline" for older listeners.

The show sees listeners call in to give answers to cryptic clues which then direct presenters around the county in an attempt to find treasure.

One fan, Nelly Boswell said: "I feel very upset over the BBC’s decision to stop some of the local radio programming next year.

"They were only advertising last week that it was our BBC, so why stop a lifeline for people in the community?

"None of the national stations have ring-ins or offer local support. 

"Shame on them, we pay a licence fee to watch mainly repeats.

"It is the end of an era, I just hope that listeners have a say and complain."

A BBC spokeswoman said the broadcaster had no comment on the email.

However in a statement last week the company said it was still finalising its programming.

The statement read: “We are committed to bringing audiences their favourite local output and we’ll continue to do so.

"We’ll confirm our programme plans for future schedules in due course.”