BISHOP Auckland MP Helen Goodman has hit out at plans to deny sixth form students in the area free transport to schools and colleges.

Mrs Goodman is unhappy that sixth form students are being charged more than £100 a term in to take the bus.

She said: "I am receiving more and more complaints about lack of free school transport and charges being imposed on students simply for travelling to their nearest place of study.

"It is especially a problem in rural areas where the nearest school can be many miles away and bus services are limited at best."

Mrs Goodman believes in the right to free transport for educational purposes up to the age of 18.

"Improving services for children living close to many schools in urban areas at the expense of children in rural areas is totally unacceptable.

"I have now taken up this matter with Durham County Council as they need to think again about their policy.

"The county is pressing for unitary status - if this is to work they must be more sensitive to the needs of those living in rural areas.

"We quite rightly encourage young people to stay on in education to get the skills and qualifications they need. This cut is inconsistent with that aim.

"Charging for school transport is a real step backwards. After all, I had free bus travel to school in the 1970s and my father had it in the 1930s."