A key bus route that connects Hucknall to Mansfield and Nottingham will continue for at least one more year after a new operator was confirmed.

Stagecoach will take over the 141-bus route following an extensive procurement exercise run by Nottinghamshire County Council.

Trent Barton announced it would be withdrawing from the 141 service in July.

This caused uproar in the local community and a petition to save the service, started by the leader of Ashfield District Council, Jason Zadrozny, was signed by over 3500 residents.

The county council then agreed to subsidise the route for a further year and invited local companies to tender for the service.

The new 141 Stagecoach bus service will start on Monday 5 September, following the same route from Sutton to Nottingham, via Mansfield and Hucknall, and at the exact timings.

The current Trent Barton operation will continue to run until Saturday 3 September, resulting in no loss of service for passengers.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, the council's Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: "It is fantastic news the council has been able to continue the vital 141 bus service - without any interruptions - following our successful search for a new operator.

"We made it clear to residents that we would work around the clock to secure a new company to run the bus, and we've delivered on our word.

"We want even more people to use their local buses, leaving the car at home, as it is good for the environment and will help keep this bus service and others across Nottinghamshire running in the future." he said.

Councillor Clarke added: "We realise how important this service is for local communities and businesses in north and central Nottinghamshire, essential for shopping, working, and seeing friends and loved ones.

"I'm pleased Stagecoach has been chosen as the operator, and I look forward to working with the company to deliver an excellent 141 bus service."

Matt Cranwell, Managing Director at Stagecoach East Midlands, said: "Bus services are essential for our communities, helping people to get to work, education, healthcare, and the shops.

"Through a strong partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council, we are working hard together to support the local economy by rebuilding the county's bus network following the pandemic."

The agreement between the county council and stagecoach will initially last twelve months, with an option to extend for a further year after this period.