A BUS driver involved in a crash in which 22 children were injured, two seriously, has been charged with careless driving.

The minibus swerved off the road and crashed into youngsters as they were leaving the English Martyrs School, in Hartlepool, last July.

It happened at about 3.30pm - as dozens of children were heading home for the day.

Investigations into the accident are continuing, but Cleveland Police have confirmed the bus driver has been charged with driving without due care and attention and would appear before Hartlepool magistrates in April.

The driver of a Renault Scenic involved in the accident has been charged with driving without insurance and will appear in court.

The Mercedes bus, carrying 20 children from the school, collided with the Renault, mounted the footpath in Catcote Road, and crashed into a wire fence, leaving its nose embedded in a tree.

It is believed the bus swerved to avoid hitting a boy who ran into the road, but then ended up crashing into others who were on their way home.

Pupils were trapped under the wheels as smoke began to pour from the crashed bus.

Ben Conroy and Michael Harrison, then aged 12, were both left seriously injured after being trapped under the bus.

They were airlifted to hospital and admitted to intensive care with multiple injuries.

They made a full recovery and returned to school after a month in hospital.

The coach, operated by Oxford Road-based firm Richardsons Coaches, was carrying 26 students from the school when it left the road.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "The driver of the bus, and the driver of the Renault Scenic involved in the accident, have both been reported to court.

"The driver of the bus has been reported for driving without due care and attention, and the driver of the Renault Scenic has been reported for driving without insurance."

Last night, bosses at Richardsons Coaches declined to comment.

Both drivers are expected to appear at Hartlepool Magistrates' Court on a date to be fixed.