THOUSANDS of North-East teenagers are missing out on cheaper bus travel.

Youngsters aged 14 to 16 who get a Durham County IIC Card free from their school can ride half-price throughout the county.

But so far, only 7,000 of the 17,000 eligible have got a card and Durham County Council is urging more to apply.

The card can be used any time during school holidays and after 5pm on school days.

More than 30 comprehensive schools issue the cards free to pupils.

Pupils of schools not taking part can get cards by post for £2 from Durham County Council.

The card is valid until the end of the school year - August 31 - in which the holder becomes 16.

The IIC card is a £100,000 scheme drawn up by the council and young people from Investing in Children.

To get a card, teenagers can take their application form and photograph to school and receive one free of charge on the spot.

"With the card, over-14s can take part in after-school activities or social events without having to worry about paying full fare to get home,'' said Chris Graham, the council's rural transport officer.

Postal applications should be sent to the Public Transport Group, Environment and Technical Services, County Hall, Durham DH1 5UQ.

Applicants can also call the helpline on 0191-383 3337.