More than 100 schoolchildren were banned or given warnings after unruly behaviour on school buses in Nottinghamshire last year.

Drivers have reported children throwing seats off buses, letting off fireworks and writing over seats and windows.

The problem is now so acute that buses may be equipped with security cameras and a pilot scheme may see staff travelling alongside youngsters.

A centralised register of problems could be drawn up, with the trouble-makers being interviewed by the school authorities straight away.

Seats [are] taken out and thrown on to cars coming up behind us Ian, bus driver

In 2002, 62 children were banned from travelling, while a further 50 were warned about their actions during one school term.

School bus driver Ian, from Arnold, told BBC Radio Nottingham: "The problems we experience is a reflection of the antisocial behaviour we see generally in society today.

"We have experienced the rear window, which is an emergency window, being opened and seats taken out and thrown on to cars coming up behind us."

He said children from the age of six to 17 dropped rubbish, destroyed seats, defaced the buses and on one occasion a firework was let off.

Video footage

Nick Brown, from Nottinghamshire County Council's transport department, said the trouble-makers represented only about 1% of the children carried by their buses each day.

He said while escorts were being considered they would be costly and might not have authority with the children.

But the council does want to introduce CCTV cameras on some buses.

"We think cameras will be a very great benefit because part of the problem is to identify the pupil (causing trouble)."

Meanwhile, the Dukeries College in Ollerton wants to pilot a scheme where staff will travel alongside youngsters to and from school.