UPDATE: The final result is in and Ensign Bus have missed out on the world crown by the narrowest of margins.

Because of some issues with voting, organisers of the competition resolved the final verdict by tournament averages and EnsignBusCo finished with an average of 60.3%. However Nottingham finished with an average of 61.8%.

Ensign have already congratulated the winners and said: "A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us, you are amazing!"

AN element of controversy crept into the final few hours of voting for the final of the World Cup of British Bus Companies with allegations of vote fixing bringing a somewhat sour end to what has been a fun competition for fans of British bus companies.

Thurrock-based Ensign Bus – one of the smallest in the competition, have consistently upstaged larger companies to reach the final.

Fans of buses have been voting for their favourites after companies were pitched into a group stage and then head to head quarter-final, semi-final and today's final.

Ensign were up against Nottingham City Transport in the final, which started last night and from the offer were always a couple of percentages behind.

However, as the clock ticked down the organisers of the competition announced they had become aware of Nottingham obtaining votes through direct canvassing – something which is frowned upon.

They stopped short of saying it was cheating but announced that the vote would be suspended and a new, shorter poll conducted with results from the two averaged out.

With around 30 minutes to go it looks as Ensign will still be edged out through barring a last minute rush of votes.

You can vote here https://twitter.com/TheWorldCupo…/status/1289199798466179072