CHILDREN have been given training in emergency procedures following recent fires on coaches taking pupils to school.

In October a bus taking children to Crispin School caught fire as it passed through Ashcott.

A second fire occurred this month in Chilton Polden, where a coach was due to pick up children from the same school. No-one was injured in either incident.

Now Catcott Primary School pupils have been given a 20-minute lesson on bus safety, showing them exactly what to do in the event of an emergency.

Head teacher Chris Axten-Higgs said: “The bus company took each class out to the coach for a 20- minute lesson on bus safety.

“The children did really well.

“They were shown what to do in an emergency and how to evacuate the bus through the emergency exits.

“It was quite eye-opening to us as well as the pupils because it’s not something you immediately think about when you get on a bus.”

Mr Axten-Higgs said he felt compelled to act following the incidents.

He said: “It was very concerning, especially because there were two fires in such a small space of time so close geographically.

“We were planning a trip up to Bristol for the children to see the SS Great Britain and parents were threatening to stop their child going because they were so worried.”

However the safety lessons have helped to allay fears.

Mr Axten-Higgs said: “We sent out a newsletter to let the parents know and we’ve had some really good feedback.

“A lot of them were really pleased with it.”