THE Millennium Bus is on the road, and with its bright yellow colour and distinctive lettering is set to become a familiar sight during the summer term while on free loan to local schools.

The superb offer from suppliers Lancashire Leyland DAF Accrington, was eagerly snapped up by Witton Park High School. The vehicle is sponsored by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. The Blackburn school's walking club took the minibus on its maiden run to enjoy a day out in the Lake District, and pronounced it a great drive with plenty of space to stow their gear.

A Rossendale primary school were second in line and were so delighted with the vehicle that they can't wait to come back for another trip. "This is a fabulous scheme," said Paul Heaton, headteacher of St Peter's, Newchurch.

"The children were delighted to be given the chance to use the bus. And the vehicle is so well designed that staff can easily walk around to check that seatbelts are fastened. I can't thank Leyland DAF enough for their generous offer." The free loan of the 16-seater minibus for up to five days is open to any East Lancashire school from April to June through our Newspapers in Education project.

A few dates are still available and booking forms can be obtained from NIE co-ordinator Rita Shaw, tel 01254 678678, ext 255, or fax 01254 680429.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.