Parents and guardians are being reminded to make sure their child’s school travel arrangements are in place.

Free transport is available to and from school for children aged five to 16 who live outside the legal walking distance between their home and the nearest qualifying school.

Provided by Lancashire County Council, the eligibility criteria for free school transport is set out in the home to mainstream school transport policy.

The transport entitlement for all pupils starting secondary school is assessed by the county council.

Cabinet member for education and skills, Councillor Jayne Rear said: "Preparing for the new school year can be a stressful time, but it's vital that you make sure your child's travel arrangements are in place.

"If you have received a letter and an application form about transport for pupils starting secondary school, please return your completed application as soon as possible and we will endeavour to get this to you before the start of the new term.

"And if you think your child may now be entitled to receive help with travel costs due to a change of circumstances, contact our School Transport Line and our trained staff will be happy to assist."

Parents or guardians who think their child may now be entitled to receive help with travel costs since submitting their secondary school application, due to a change in circumstances, should contact the school transport line (0300 123 6738).

Pupils who need to replace their Gold Pass that is used on services contracted by the county council only should also contact the school transport line.

Parents and guardians of children who use taxi transport provided by the county council to primary and secondary schools will be informed of any new transport arrangements by letter.