HUNDREDS of East Lancashire pupils are to lead a drive towards improving anti-social behaviour on school buses.

The success of a pilot scheme involving youngsters from Fearns High School in Bacup means that the project will now roll out across the county.

Lancashire County Council's SaferTravel Unit has been set up to work with schools, public transport operators, police and councils to make buses safer - and more civilised - for passengers.

One of its first tasks has been to work with pupils to cut down on bad behaviour. Youngsters from 30 schools have been involved in a study which has shown that bad behaviour on the 'bus run' is their main concern and that they want clean vehicles which arrive on time, and driven by a friendly driver. They are all now getting involved in finding solutions.

County Coun Nora Ward, cabinet member for highways and transportation, explained: "The first step was to consult pupils and get their views on public transport. The reaction has been good and some schools have appointed bus prefects to cut down on bullying.

"We have also taken on board requests from the pupils for things like clean and punctual buses. We found that bus companies are keen to co-operate and are now introducing regular drivers on school journeys."

Safer Travel Unit manager, Rod Hall, said: "The work we are doing is pioneering in that children are being given the opportunity to show the way forward. They have really grasped this opportunity and our pilot schemes have shown that when they take responsibility they become proud of their bus."

Mick Croft, group manager for bus services, added: "Another aspect of the project is to develop a new system for bus operators to report all acts of anti-social behaviour and vandalism on their buses. When this is implemented we fully expect the number of reports to increase dramatically just because they are being properly reported. Only then can we start to make progress."

At Fearns High School, a good behaviour contract was introduced between the pupils using school bus services, the school and the operator, Rossendale Transport. And the school reported a year-on-year reduction from 20 incidents to five.

The initiative will include training for bus drivers so they can diffuse arguments among pupils; classes for youngsters about the role of school transport; more CCTV on school buses; and a Lancashire Constabulary Crimestoppers campaign on buses using posters designed by youngsters.

Schools involved will include Haslingden High, All Saints RC High, Rawtenstall, and Walshaw, Habergham and Gawthorpe high schools in Burnley.

Last year, Blackburn Transport said it had to replace more than 100 seats a week on its 250-bus fleet because of vandalism.