A SCHOOL bus carrying 22 children ploughed into a cottage this morning, injuring six youngsters.

A car was also involved in the smash and the woman driver was trapped in the wreckage.

The children, all thought to be between ten and 13, were on their way from Northchapel village, near Petworth, to Herbert Shiner secondary school in South Grove, Petworth.

There were two adults on the bus.

Police say it is too early to say what caused the crash, which happened at about 8.45am just north of Petworth on the busy A283 London Road.

The road was closed and large jams built up.

The woman driver was cut from the wreckage of her Ford Escort and flown by police helicopter to St Richard's Hospital, Chichester, with facial injuries and shock.

Apolice spokesman said the six injured children were "walking wounded" with bumps, scratches and shock. They were treated at the scene by paramedics.

Some of the other children were taken in by neighbours and all 22 were then taken to St Richard's Hospital for a check-up.

Firefighters from Petworth, Midhurst, Worthing and Crawley were called to the scene.

AWest Sussex education spokewoman said the school was telephoning parents to tell them what had happened.

Neighbour Michael Fitch, 57, a freelance cameraman from Limbo Cottage, London Road, said: "There was a massive thump. I was in the bath but got out to help.

"We've been up to our ears in it ever since. We're still in the middle of it. It's very chaotic.

"It's a very dangerous stretch of road. People overtake like madmen."

Mr Fitch's Peugeot car, parked in the drive outside his home, was also badly damaged in the crash.

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