A bus service from Kingston to Dorking has been saved from the chop after county councillors managed to reach an agreement over its future.

The 465 service, that runs from Kingston through Leatherhead, has been guaranteed for the next five years, months after most Surrey bus services run by Abellio were earmarked to be axed.

The Transport for London (TfL) service, operated by Epsom Coaches, was in line to be shortened for financial reasons.

A petition had been launched on campaign website change.org which gathered more than 3,000 signatures in the months leading up to a consultation between TfL and Surrey County Council.

Dorking resident Michael Hancok, who started the petition, said the service was "an absolute lifeline for the people of Dorking, Mickleham, Fetcham and Leatherhead".

But at a final meeting of the full council at County Hall in Kingston last week, Surrey County councillors were told that the "vital" service would be saved after an agreement was reached with TfL.

Mike Goodman, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: "We have been working very closely with Transport for London and are delighted that we have reached an agreement to ensure this vital service can continue and enables our residents to still have essential access to employment, education, health care and other key services along the route for years to come."

The move was welcomed by both opposition councillors and residents, who said it was "good news" for people in Dorking.

Dorking South and the Holmwoods councillor Stephen Cooksey said: "This is good news for people in Dorking who were heavily reliant on this service - it should never have been under the axe in the first place.

"I'd like to thank all of those residents who made their voices loud and clear by signing a huge petition in favour of the service and for contacting the Surrey Cabinet Member with their views".

Dorking Hills councillor and leader of the Surrey Liberal Democrats said: "This proves that when the community makes itself heard, the Council has to listen and the support of local councillors made a difference too.

"I am pleased that residents in Dorking, and surrounding villages including Mickleham and Westhumble, will still have this vital transport link for the next five years".