A JURASSIC coast bus service is in line for a top award after passengers branded it "just the ticket".

CoastLinX53, which operates the length of the West Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Coast, has been recognised as one of the best bus projects in the UK.

Now it is in the running for a prestigious national Bus Industry Award which aims to identify excellence and best practice in bus based public transport.

CoastLinX53 has been shortlisted in the "Buses for Pleasure" category.

Dorset and Devon County Councils launched X53 in 1998.

Its popularity grew steadily over the first four years with both residents and visitors and passenger numbers swiftly increasing from under 30,000 to nearly 53,000 per year in 2002.

The service has been transformed into CoastLinX53 through a partnership with First Hampshire and Dorset.

New buses have been introduced in a striking Jurassic Coast livery, the timetable increased to every two hours and a yearround Sunday service introduced.

Over 97,000 passengers used the service in 20034 reflecting the huge popularity of the improvements and growth is continuing this year with passenger numbers 20 per cent up in the June to August period.

Operating between Exeter and Poole via Seaton, Lyme Regis, Bridport, Abbotsbury, Weymouth and Wareham, the buses take in all the key locations of the Jurassic Coast, England's first and only natural World Heritage site.

The through journey is 106 miles and takes four and a half hours but most passengers hop on and off to visit the many attractions along the route.

Devon County Council's environment spokesman David Morrish, welcomed the news of the shortlisting.

He said: "CoastLinX53 is an extremely popular, well used and well run service and I am delighted that it is receiving national recognition.

"Passengers are able to sample all the delights of the Jurassic Coast without the worry of driving or finding somewhere to park and this not only supports and protects the outstanding natural environment but allows for people to enjoy the area to the full."

* The Bus Industry Awards presentation will take place on November 18 in London.