A BUS boss has demanded more co-operation from schools over non-uniform days after a group of children feared they would be stranded near a busy road.

A row erupted after youngsters from St Christopher's High School, Accrington, forgot their bus passes on a non-uniform charity day and were forced to pay £1 for their morning journey from Burnley.

And while some of the 12 passengers were able to pay the fare, Andrew Halstead's children, Katie, 12, and Arron, 14, who catch the bus from Glen View Road, spent their lunch money to get to school.

But Andrew Knowles, director of Rigbys Executive Coaches, Altham, which operates the 959 school service, said today the driver was just doing his job.

And he blamed Lancashire County Council and the school for the confusion.

He said: "We took advice from the county council and all the correct procedures were followed. We were dead right in what we did. We never leave kids on the pavement, we always make sure they get to school. Schools should inform the county council they've got a non- uniform day coming up, they can liaise with us, and we can let our drivers know. At least then they'd be prepared.

"That is still leaving it open to abuse though. At the end of the day the kids should carry their bus passes with them at all times. Our drivers are only doing their jobs."

Education bosses said it was up to individual schools to inform bus companies about non-uniform days, but stressed bus passes must be carried at all times.

A county council spokesman said: "Pupils must have their passes, regardless of whether they are in uniform, or not. Schools can tell their bus companies if they wish when they are having a non- uniform day, but we would expect pupils to still present their passes."