A SCHOOL bus company has kept its licence despite the fact the buses had faulty brakes.

David Stainthorpe, owner of Skelton Hire, based in Slapewath, east Cleveland, was ordered to sort out his vehicles by a Traffic Commission hearing.

Faults including bald tyres and brake defects were found on vehicles and he was told by the traffic commissioner that schoolchildren would not be allowed to travel on buses with faulty brakes.

Mr Stainthorpe said he had 18 contracts with schools and that made up 90 per cent of his work.

His vehicles were ordered off the road for five days to allow him to carry out driver training and introduce systems allowing brake checks on a regular basis. His licence will be reappraised in nine months' time.