NINE children were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation and shock after their school coach burst into flames yesterday.

All the youngsters on the coach and the four teachers with them, from Hartlepool's English Martyrs School, escaped unhurt as the driver pulled off the road into a lay-by, smoke pouring from the engine compartment.

The driver's prompt actions were praised by Cleveland Fire Brigade, whose crews arrived at the scene - just off the A179 road - to find the coach well alight.

The coach was one of a convoy of 12 taking 500 students from the comprehensive school to a diocesan Mass at the Newcastle Arena.

Peter McMahon, head of lower school at English Martyrs, said: "It was all a big shock to see thick, black smoke billowing from the back of the coach carrying our pupils and staff.

"Praise must be given to the students and staff for the orderly way they evacuated the vehicle.

"And we would also like to thank the parents for their calm response and support, once they became aware of the situation."

Mr McMahon had been travelling on the next coach in the convoy, behind the vehicle which caught fire.

One of the pupils on board with him was the daughter of Fire Station Officer Jed Suggett, who arrived with the first fire crew at the scene, outside Hart Village.

Mr Suggett said: "It was well alight. The engine compartment and the ancillary stuff at the back was burning.

"The engine compartment was so badly damaged by fire we cannot determine a cause.

"But, although quite serious, they had all the pupils taken off.

"The driver, as he was driving out of Hartlepool, noticed smoke from one of the rear vents and he pulled over to a place of safety.

"Teachers on board had asked him 'Are you aware there is a smell of smoke?', prompting him to look in his mirrors."

A spokesman for local education authority Hartlepool Borough Council said staff and pupils were off the bus before flames became visible.

He said: "It appears there was some form of mechanical defect and there was a lot of smoke coming from the engine.

"There was an orderly and calm evacuation."

He said the eight girls and one boy who were taken to hospital for check-ups, following exposure to the smoke, were quickly discharged.

The coach is owned by TM Transport, from Blackhall, County Durham.

Company proprietor Terry Nicholson said of his driver: "He did the right thing. He is shaken up - we all are.

"It is an unfortunate thing that happened."