THE success of a Worcestershire County Council-led project has been acknowledged by making it to the shortlist of a national award.

The launch of the Worcester Express, which replaced Worcester North park-and-ride in September 2005, reached the last three of the Bus Category for the National Transport Awards.

The judges were looking for a demonstration of changes to bus services that have brought about improvements.

The entry was vying for the prestigious award along with Leicestershire County Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council - with the latter taking the award on the night.

Derek Prodger, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "This is the first time that we have entered the Worcester Express for an award, so to be one of three authorities on the shortlist for a national award is a great credit to Worcestershire County Council.

"I would like thank all members of staff who have contributed to this successful project and I hope that we can bring an award back to Worcestershire next time."

Bus passenger numbers have doubled since the launch of the Worcester Express in September 2005.

It is the first phase of Project Express which aims to make passenger transport accessible to all - urban and rural - within a reasonable time, on demand and at a reasonable cost across Worcestershire.