SCHOOL pupils were ‘evacuated’ from a bus travelling to Keswick School after a mechanical problem with the coach.

The R5 service broke down at around 8am in Bothel on Thursday, October 10 with reports of smoke and a strong smell of petrol in the air.

Children were stood by the side of the road for at least 20 minutes with one concerned parent calling the situation ‘alarming’.

The parent told the News & Star: "My son contacted me just after 8am to say the R5 coach to Keswick School operated by Reays had been evacuated at Bothel due to a strong smell of petrol.

"There were reports of smoke. 

"This is very alarming. A replacement bus arrived within 20 minutes, but it is very worrying when children are having to be evacuated to safety."

A note was sent out by Keswick School to parents at 8.15am and children arrived safely at school.