DON’T panic – there’s a child at the wheel of the bus!

Reception year children from St Clements C of E Primary School enjoyed a day out with Morebus and had the chance to sit in the cab.

They were learning about different modes of transport in their area and took a trip on a double-decker to Boscombe Pier, where they were able to look around the bus.

Morebus communications manager Nikki Honer said: “This was a great opportunity for us to help local children really get to know how buses work.

“When they boarded, we issued them with mock tickets from our machine – and they had a chance to explore all areas, including the cab.

“They pretended to drive the bus and tested a few switches and buttons. I’m confident they had a great time, and it was a worthwhile educational exercise too. “Making sure young people grow up knowing how public transport works will hopefully encourage them to opt for more sustainable methods of travel as they grow up. All the children were very well behaved and it was a pleasure giving them the opportunity to see a bus from a different perspective.”

Morebus supervisor Gavin Frampton was on hand to answer questions. The pupils tried out different methods of travel, including train and ferry, before taking a quick walk back to school.

Emily Murphy, assistant head teacher and EYFS lead at St Clements C of E School, said: “The children in our three reception classes loved their Morebus experience. Our driver Gavin was very friendly and patient with all them getting a ticket.

”The children couldn’t believe their luck when they were able to sit in the driver’s seat, open and close the doors and explore the switches.”