YELLOW buses could soon spell the end of cars piled high with kids on the morning and evening school runs.

Schoolchildren in Runnymede are due to be amongst the first in the country to undergo an American makeover in the new year as yellow buses are introduced to help the community's efforts to cut pollution from traffic.

Runnymede Business Partnership hopes the buses, coupled with the introduction of cycle lanes and new shelters at schools, will reduce peak hour congestion around the borough's schools and roads.

Students at Magna Carta and Fullbrook schools got the chance to see their new transport in presentations at the schools last weekend and will use them when they are introduced in February next year.

Philip Roe, headteacher of Magna Carta School, said: "We welcome the introduction of the Yellow Bus as it will help to reduce congestion both outside the school and in the local area. My students are excited that they are amongst the first in the country to use this new concept in school travel."

The scheme will be financed by contributions from parents, development related funding, the council and donations from businesses and will see the introduction of a dedicated bus service for both schools.