A Norfolk bus firm is in the running for a top national award. 

Sanders Coaches, based in Holt, has been named as a finalist in a Top Independent Operator category of the UK Bus Awards. 

Sanders said it was “extremely proud” of the nomination. The firm said on social media: “Thank you to our staff and our customers for the support.”

The other nominees in the category are Uno, which is operated by the University of Hertfordshire, and Grant Palmer, which runs in Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire. 

The winners will be announced in a ceremony at the Troxy music hall in London on November 28.

Last month Sanders announced some changes to its routes, including turning the 5.20pm Coasthopper service from Wells to Cromer from a seasonal to a year-round route. There is also an extra 7.28am service from Cromer to Wells. 

However, a ‘Holt Hopper’ service which linked the town centre with Kelling Hospital and the North Norfolk Railway station has been discontinued. 

Sanders said the service, which was funded by Section 106 contributions from the developers of Holt's housing estates, was not popular enough for a new funding application to be made.