Strict rules that deny many Sussex children a free bus ride to school are to be ripped up after protests.

The Government today announced plans to allow local education authorities to offer free travel - even if pupils live within the minimum distance from their school.

Ministers also confirmed head teachers would be allowed to stagger the start and finish of the school day if it made it easier for children to travel.

The plan was first revealed by the Argus at the start of this month.

The changes were unveiled as part of a £50 million action plan to encourage children to walk, cycle or catch the bus, rather than be driven.

At present, children under eight are only guaranteed free bus travel if they live more than two miles away and attend their nearest school.

Youngsters aged eight or over must live at least three miles away, before their local education authority is required to lay on transport.

The rules, which date back to the 1944 Education Act, have been condemned for preventing youngsters from travelling with their friends if they live just inside the distance limit.