A FURIOUS mother has criticised Darlington Borough Council in a row over free bus passes for her children.

Single mum Julie Bray claims she was told by council chiefs that her children, Rebecca and Patrick, could apply for free travel to Haughton Comprehensive School, where they are taught.

The authority, she says, did a U-turn and said that the children were not eligible because they live outside a three-mile radius from the school.

An angry Miss Bray contacted the council and was told that the children should change schools if there was a problem.

She said: "I have just bought two new uniforms for the children at £60 and paid for passport photos for the passes.

"I will now lose about £10 a week to send them to school and I am a one- parent family with four kids."

Ms Bray says she took Rebecca, 14, out of Eastbourne School because she was being bullied, and Haughton was the next best option, as nearby Hummersknott was full.

Patrick, 11, is due to start Haughton this month, and wants to go to the same school as his sister.

A spokesman for Darlington council said they were aware of Ms Bray's complaint and that she could appeal against the decision.