TWO of Southern Vectis' most popular services have been named among the nation’s most scenic bus routes.

In the first survey of its kind, Bus Users UK asked passengers to vote for their most spectacular routes and the Isle of Wight operator polled third in England for its Needles Breezer service and sixth for the Island Coaster.

The overall winner was the 840 Coastliner from Leeds and York to Whitby.

“This is an incredibly beautiful part of the country and we are blessed with the wonderful coast and countryside our routes run through,” Southern Vectis head of communications, Nikki Honer, said.

“We’ve always felt our buses here operate within some of the country’s most attractive surroundings and it seems voters in the poll agree with us.

“There are of course other beautiful landscapes across the UK but the Isle of Wight is unique and special. We’re proud to serve here.

“Those who travel on our Needles Breezer service have the opportunity to do so on open-top buses during the warmer months of the year, making the journey even more memorable — and the beautiful weather we’re currently enjoying enhances the experience still further."

The Island Coaster from Yarmouth to Ryde runs between April and September and journeys through the southern coast with breathtaking scenery and a number of superb locations like the Needles Landmark Attraction, Blackgang Chine and Dinosaur Isle along the way. Tennyson Down and Alum Bay are also along this popular route.

The Needles Breezer includes the cliff-hugging, dizzy climb from Alum Bay right up to the Needles Battery.

The service also links Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay, Dimbola Museum and Galleries, and Fort Victoria Country Park.