A CONDUCTOR, a driver, passengers, stops. . . . but no vehicle.

Since walking buses revolutionised the school run, for one local primary school the benefit is more than environmental.

Steve Murphy, learning mentor at Clayton Brook Primary School, claims lateness at his school has decreased by more than 50 per cent since two walking buses were introduced in February.

Speaking at the end of International Walk to School Week, Steve said: "When we got the buses up and running we were actually able to ask the parents of those children who were persistently late if they wanted to use it.

"Of course, many of them did because it is so convenient, and this stopped their children being late, which makes my job a lot easier.

"We also have less cars at the school gates, where parking has previously been a problem."

Since 2002, theGovernment has been actively promoting walking buses. Clayton Brook's hugely successful buses are used as an example for other schools in the area.

The idea is that parents drop their children at 'stops' close to their homes and they are then walked to school by volunteers working on a rota.

Government statistics show over the past 20 years, the percentage of children travelling to school by car has doubled and at ten to nine every morning, one in five of the nation's cars are on the school run.

Steve added: "The volunteers have really thrown themselves into the scheme and are doing a fantastic job.

"There are around 25 children involved and they wear high-visibility jackets and hold on to a rope which keeps them safe and makes the volunteers' jobs easier.

"There are conductors, drivers at the front and even first-aiders."

Currently, the buses take routes from the school in Great Greens Lane down Daisy Meadow and Wood Field. The school is also planning to introduce a third bus later this year.

"It does take a lot of organisation," said Steve. "We talked to road safety groups, the council and our police community beat manager but now we have handed responsibility over to the volunteers who have been really dedicated.

"We have had phone calls from other schools who have seen the success of the scheme and want to set up their own buses."

Steve believes the scheme also promotes community spirit and helps bring local people together regularly.

Mum Sam Cooper, 31, of Wood Field, is a volunteer on the bus which takes her two children, Katarina, three, and Kirsten, six, to nursery and school each day.

She said: "It takes us about 20 minutes to walk to the school.

"The school has been great and they even send a teacher along to help out if a volunteer is off.

"It's great for getting people out of their cars and into the fresh air and really promotes a healthier lifestyle. Plus we are safe in the knowledge our children are getting to school safely."