PUPILS from a school in Winterbourne have had their vital bus service returned thanks to a cash injection by South Gloucestershire Council.

Last week the Gazette reported that students from the Ridings High School were left high and dry after a bus company cancelled the early morning service that took them to school.

School chiefs were left bewildered by the decision by Bristol-based First and were at a loss about what to do.

The First 327 service ferried the 25 youngsters from youngsters who live in the school's catchment area of Frenchay, Hambrook and Stapleton.

The commercial service had not been making enough money and it was decided by transport chiefs to disband.

Area operations director Paul Jenkins said at the time: "The costs of running the service have increased, but the number of children using it have not, and there were no longer enough children using the service to make it viable."

However, now thanks to a move by South Gloucestershire Council children should not have any trouble getting to lessons when the new term starts on Monday as they have decided to subsidise a new service.

The new 927 service which will travel via Begbrook Road, Frenchay Common, Beckspool Road and Hambrook and will run only in school days.

Cllr Pat Hockey, executive member for planning, transportation and the strategic environment, said: "It's very good news that the council has been able to step in with the funding to support this new service.

"Losing the 327 bus would have caused a major disruption to many young people's days, and it could have meant them walking some very busy roads to reach the school. For the council to step in and ensure a service remains without causing any disruption will mean a lot to people."

Times of the bus service are as follows. Frenchay Park Road, Stoke Lane at 8.33am Frenchay, Begbrook Park at 8.35am Frenchay, Village Hall at 8.38am Winterbourne, The Ridings High School at 8.55am

Students who want a return service will be able to use the 328 service which travels to Bristol via Hambrook, Bristol Road, Frenchay Park Road and Stapleton.

The first bus after school stops at the Bradley Avenue bus stop at approximately 15.39 and also serves the bus stop near the George and Dragon at 15.41.

These arrangements will be in place until the end of the summer term 2005, and the council will continue to investigate the future of the service with The Ridings School and local bus operators.