DURHAM County Council is to continue free school travel for thousands of children.

The council was looking at saving more than £1m a year by bringing its scheme in line with others in the country.

Durham gives free travel for children aged eight and over who live more than two miles from school, although the statutory requirement is three miles.

Council leader councillor Ken Manton said about 20,000 children qualify for free school transport, with about 4,000 benefiting because of the council's two-mile rule.

He said: "There may come a time when we have to look again at the pressure on this area of our budget but, for the moment, we are not about to make any change.''

The council has also dropped plans to levy a £1-a-day charge on pupils up to the age of 16 who use surplus seats on free school transport, even though they are not eligible.

Following consultation with schools, headteachers and governors revealed the fear that some parents would suffer financially if the charge were introduced.

Meanwhile, the council is seeking the public's views on a £400,000 shake-up of the its registration service.

Under the plans, registrar offices at Wolsingham, Tow Law, Spennymoor, Sedgefield and Ferryhill will close.

At present anyone wishing to register a birth, marriage or death at the offices must make an appointment, but the offices have not been used for more than four years.

The council is also proposing to buy Bishop Auckland Register Office and plans improvements so that it conforms with the Disability Discrimination Act.

The council plans to make one registration area for the county so people can register at any of its nine offices.

Certificates will also be available via the Internet.

In east Durham, the Seaham office will be replaced by a domiciliary service, enabling people to register at a venue of their choice, including their home.

To comment on the plans write to David Dixon, Corporate and Legal Services, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UL.