M6 bus inferno: Driver who helped save youngsters is thanked

The group from Brandhall Primary School were on board a double-decker coach on the M6 when flames took hold.

But they were taken to safety by Paul Bingham, who was driving an empty coach on the motorway and selflessly pulled over after he saw the blaze.

Headteacher Liz Hart has labelled Mr Bingham a 'true hero' and invited him to the school for a personal thank you.

Pupils penned touching notes of thanks in a giant card and sung to Mr Bingham in a special assembly on Friday.

He was also given presents to show the gratitude of all involved.

Mr Bingham, 44, who works for Eavesway Travel in Wigan, said: "It was great to be invited and I'm very proud.

"It was a touching moment, but also a bit embarrassing really.

"It was very nice to be asked down like this."

Miss Hart said: "He is a true hero and I would like to thank him sincerely."

Mr Bingham was able to drop into the school as he was on his way to a job in Southampton in his coach.

He said: "Some of the kids gave me presents and they had made a big card that was 3ft by 2ft with loads of messages in it.

"It was really lovely. All the kids wanted photos with me as well. I'm just glad I could help."

The Year Five pupils had been returning from a school trip to The National Space Centre in Leicester when the bus broke down near junction 3A for the M6 Toll at around 3.40pm on Monday.

Thirteen children and the driver were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, while four 10-year-old girls went to Birmingham Children's Hospital but have since been allowed home.

The bus was destroyed by the fierce blaze.