A NEW scheme to reward pupils for good behaviour on school buses has more than halved the number of incidents of bad behaviour.

Pupils and staff at Wilton Middle School, near Salisbury, took part in a pilot project for the Best Bus Awards, which encouraged good behaviour on school buses by offering prizes to the winning pupils.

Now Wiltshire County Council's passenger transport unit plans to extend it into other parts of the county.

Awards for good behaviour are made to pupils from the winning bus at the end of each term.

In the pilot project, children on the winning bus received raffle tickets, which are then entered into a draw to win a range of individual prizes, and a trophy was presented.

Pupils can also win merits and Golden Time for good behaviour, time that pupils can spend during the school day on activities they enjoy, such as sport.

Judi Gardner, customer service officer, Wiltshire County Council passenger transport unit, said: "I am very pleased with success of this scheme.

"The county council is now planning to extend the Best Bus Awards and we are looking for other schools to take up the scheme.

Any schools interested in the Best Bus Awards can call for further information on (01225) 713325."

The winning bus is found by comparing the number of positive and negative comments and incidents.