TAUNTON School has cut the carbon footprint of pupil journeys to and from school by 94%.

The school’s collection service sees 214 students transported in and home by 12 buses - equating to more than 30% of the day pupils.

Parents no longer need to drive children from places such as Exeter, Minehead, Sidmouth and Bristol, saving them a daily average of two hours’ driving - and over £2,000 a year in petrol.

Prep school headmaster Michael Anderson said: “Understanding our contribution to climate change needs to be part of how we prepare young people to shape the world in the 21st Century.

“Using the bus service as an example provides a living environmental case study and illustrates how small things can make a huge difference.

“It also provides a safe way for children to join in with after school activities.”

The service has led to a fall in the number of cars travelling to and from the school, increasing pupil safety.