AN ANGRY Worcestershire mother has criticised a bus company after claiming her daughter was ordered off by a driver and left stranded because of a mix-up over fares.

Kathy Fairbairns, of Manor Road, Stourport, described Saturday morning's incident as "totally shocking" and has officially complained to the operator, First.

Her daughter, Alexandria Vinanti, aged 16, caught the bus from York Street, Stour-port, at 9.40am, to attend a doctor's appointment in Worcester. The Stourport High School pupil, who moved to Wyre Forest with her mother from California six years ago, said she asked for a single fare and paid the driver 95p.

Alexandria said: "I do not catch buses often but everything seemed fine and I sat down. About 20 minutes later, the driver pulled over near Shrawley - but I did not know where I was at the time.

"He singled me out and said I had not paid enough and asked for another £2.20. I offered to give him £2, explaining I had that in change and had already paid 95p but he said if an inspector came on he could get the sack and told me to get off the bus.

"It was quite scary because I did not know where I was and did not have any reception on my phone. I eventually managed to call home after finding some signal."

Mrs Fairbairns, 39, said her daughter was "hysterical" when she received the call.

She said: "She did not know where she was and neither did I. I had to ring my husband, Michael, to work it out because he knows the area.

"I just cannot believe the attitude the driver decided to take. It was completely over the top and caused a lot of upset that was unnecessary.

"I have been told the matter is going to be investigated and the company will be in touch within 10 days. I was not very impressed because at no point did anyone offer to apologise. I was not looking for an admission of guilt but it would have been nice to hear someone say sorry for the experience."

Mrs Fairbairns arranged a lift to take her daughter, who had been waiting alone on the roadside for about 45 minutes, to Worcester for her doctor's appointment.

Dave Maciejewski, First spokesman, confirmed the complaint had been lodged and the matter was being dealt with. He said: "I am not able to comment on individual cases. When we receive contact from a customer not happy with the service it is taken very seriously. The driver concerned will be interviewed to find out more and the customer will be responded to after that."