OKEHAMPTON Primary School has joined forces with a local business to improve safety and security 'on the buses'.

The school was the first in Devon to set up the virtual omnibus two years ago as a way of getting to school — offering an environmental alternative to the car and promoting exercise.

Children walk to school under the supervision of a 'driver and conductor' and are picked up at various locations en route. Everyone can see them coming by their fluorescent jackets and now mobile phones have been added to their list of essentials.

Jag Communications in Okehampton has supplied the school with 10 mobile phones and free line rental, so drivers and conductors can contact each other easily if any problems arise.

Co-ordinator Cathryn Hill said if a driver could not do the journey at the last minute, they could call another to fill in, or if there was an emergency en-route they could get help quickly.

Manager of Jag in Okehampton Mike Howard, who has helped many causes including the Devon Air Ambulance and Cystic Fibrosis Research, said the school contacted him to ask about mobile phones and he was delighted to help.

School headteacher Brian Cunningham said he was very grateful to Mr Howard and Jag who responded to their needs very quickly.

'It is great to work with a local firm like this and the result is greater safety and security on the bus,' he said.

It is hoped the omnibus, which 'transports' 20 children to and from school each day from Station Road and Fern Meadow, will be extended to other parts of the town in the future.