More than 20 children were treated by ambulance staff after being taken ill on a school bus.

Diesel fumes are believed to have leaked into the coach as it carried 45 teenage pupils to Ringmer Community College yesterday.

After the children were dropped off, some complained of feeling unwell with symptoms including headaches, vomiting and nausea.

Sussex Ambulance Service was called to the school in Lewes Road, Ringmer, at 10.14am.

A minibus was sent to take eight children aged 12 and 13 to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Ambulance officials said the move was a precaution, adding that the effects from the diesel leak were not thought serious or long-term.

In total, 24 children were treated.

Of those, 16 youngsters were taken home by their parents to rest after being checked over by ambulance staff.

Officials at East Sussex County Council said today that all children admitted to hospital were later discharged with no problems following a check-up.

An inquiry will be launched with the bus operator to find out what happened, a county council spokesman said.

He added: "We're investigating what happened but all the children affected are OK.

"None of them had any serious problems but obviously this is something we will be investigating with the operator."

The bus was run by Renown Coaches, Bexhill. A spokesman said the bus was examined by officials from the Department of Transport following the incident and given the all-clear.