PUPILS in part of the North-East enjoy some of the most generous and inclusive free school transport in the country, according to a study.

Northumbria University researchers found only three other councils spent more per pupil on free travel than Durham County Council.

The study revealed that the council was the only one giving free travel to secondary pupils living more than two miles from their nearest suitable school, above the statutory requirement.

Durham's "blanket" eligibility, opening the scheme to all post-16 students, was unique, according to the university team.

The review of the transport scheme was commissioned by a working group of the council's all-party scrutiny committee.

It followed complaints from some parents, whose requests for free travel for their children had been turned down.

Some cases have been considered by the Local Government Ombudsman, which found that the arrangements, including those for concessionary travel and travel to church schools, were fair.

The council provides free school travel for about 18,000 pupils at a cost of more than £1m a year.

The council's cabinet members will hear this week that the working group considers that current policies should not be amended.

Working group chairwoman Michelle Hodgson said free school transport was important for educational excellence.

She said: "The predominantly rural nature of the county means that many pupils need to travel considerable distances to school and we believe that free school transport is essential to facilitate pupils at school.

"It would be inappropriate to be considering any change in our policies which would reduce the level of eligibility."