TWELVE youngsters who lost their lives when their school minibus crashed on the motorway are being commemorated with the launch of a national driver-training scheme.

Road safety group Belt Up School Kids (BUSK) is launching the new scheme in the year the pupils from Hagley RC High School - five of whom were from Wyre Forest - would have turned 21.

The youngsters and a teacher died in November 1993 when their minibus ploughed into a stationary lorry on the M40 as they were travelling back from a schools prom in London.

The scheme, which was launched on Monday, is supported by families whose children died in the accident.

The group says its scheme offers a complete training and educational package which "is likely" to influence changes in the way children and young people are transported.

Founder Pat Harris said: "What makes the delivery of this training package so different from any other is the fact that BUSK is saying everyone must be accountable.

"It is essential a school or voluntary group understands how to choose the safest minibus; that they should know the right questions to ask before purchase or hire."

She added: "The biggest change required to bring about all-round safety is attitude. This means teachers, pupils, governors and parents must be prepared to take a fresh approach to safety. This can only happen by including everyone in the training process."

The group is to commission a professional fleet-training company based in Scotland and training will be policed by spot-checks from Busk representatives across the UK.

The scheme includes one-to-one driver training; a general test for drivers; in-class training for teachers, pupils, governors, parents and volunteers; and emergency evacuation and safety training.

Further information is available from Pat Harris on 01633 274944 or 07751 816 367.