PARENTS are being asked to pay for damage their children caused to a school bus.

A yellow school bus operated by Harrogate and District Travel, in North Yorkshire, had its interior smeared with margarine, which was spread over a closed circuit television camera, windows and seats. Flour was also thrown around.

Despite efforts to cover the TV camera, it captured the whole episode on film.

Five pupils, from Rossett School, Harrogate, have been banned by the bus company until September.

Operations director Dave Alexander said: "I'm afraid they behaved like animals. I have seen the CCTV footage of what they did and it does not make pleasant viewing. I am sure their parents would be ashamed."

It took company staff five hours to clean up the bus and parents will face a £54 bill for each of the pupils.

"If it means banning pupils from our buses, then we will do it," said Mr Alexander. "If it means prosecution, that is what we will do. We are now adopting zero tolerance."

About 15 pupils, aged between 13 and 15, had been on the bus taking them home to the Jennyfield, Bilton and Starbeck areas.

A spokesman for Rossett School, in Green Lane, said: "We were appalled to hear of the action of a small number of students.

"As soon as the matter was brought to our attention, we immediately worked with the bus company to identify the culprits. Five youngsters were involved and their parents have been informed.

"We are co-operating fully with Harrogate and District bus company to ensure that the damage is rectified. I am very disappointed that the behaviour of a small number of students has damaged the good name of Rossett."