SISTERS Lucy and Robyn Wiggins live in the same New Forest house, and go to the same school along the same route. But only one can have a bus pass. At just eight, Lucy now is judged old enough to walk the two miles from her home near Buckler's Hard to her school at Beaulieu - twice a day.

Lucy's pass has been revoked by Hampshire County Council, but little sister Robyn, 4, can still use the free school bus.

Mum Ellen, who now must follow the bus to school in her car every day, says it's a classic case of bureaucracy gone mad.

"The council says it wants less cars on the school run, then they force this situation," she said.

"They said the route was safe for a child to walk if accompanied, although there are no street lights or pavements, and lots of wandering cattle and ponies.

"And I work. How can I spare the time to walk eight miles a day

The bus goes past the end of our lane with just four children on it. It's not as if it is bulging at the seams."

A county spokeswoman said: "We are in line with national standards in following legal obligations on the provision of free transport to and from school."

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