AFTER two weeks of voting competition, Thurrock's Ensign Bus Company is approaching the climax of the World Cup of British Bus Companies but as the clock ticked over into the final hours of the competition they found themselves behind in the final.

Now staff and managers at the Purfleet-based company – who have come through a qualifying group and several rounds of knock-out competition – are hoping borough folk will rally to their cause and drag them ahead of final rival Nottingham City Transport.

As midnight approached and going into Friday's last few hours of voting Ensign were trailing their Midlands rivals by just under three per cent and are appealing for more local support in the fun competition set up by bus enthusiasts to gauge support for regional bus companies.

Ensign were one of the smallest companies in the national competition and have already worn the underdog mantle to topple some bigger firms.

Now just one last push is needed.

You can vote for Ensign by clicking this link.