The buses are a familiar sight on US streets

The initiative - the first in Wales and believed to be the biggest in Britain - was enforced after teachers and pupils highlighted the urgency for a more modern and up-to-date service.

The buses have been provided by First, the second largest operator of school bus services in the United States.

The yellow buses are a symbol of American life, but they have been chosen more for practical reasons than their looks.

Wrexham is leading the way regarding the safety of our children and this follows initiatives to ensure parents and pupils are aware of safety issues

Shan Wilkinson, Wrexham Council Leader

Designed with safety in mind, all buses have seatbelts, specially designed seats and CCTV cameras.

They are higher than normal coaches to protect pupils from side impacts and each one has a dedicated driver who will get to know the pupils.

Children will be picked up and dropped off near their homes and parents will be encouraged to contact the bus depot if their child is away.

Teachers believe this familiarity will act as a warning sign against truancy.

Bryn Offa school will take part in the pilot

Leader of Wrexham Council Shan Wilkinson described it as an "exciting initiative".

"This is a first for Wrexham and a first for Wales," she said.

"Wrexham is leading the way regarding the safety of our children and this follows initiatives to ensure parents and pupils are aware of safety issues."

First chief executive Moir Lockhead said: "There are clearly identifiable benefits that our yellow bus scheme can bring to home to school transport.

Safer

"This scheme is not only the first commercial yellow bus service to be introduced in Wales but it is our largest to date."

The new look school transportation will be unveiled to youngsters on Monday.

In a report in 2000, the US School Bus Information Council claimed that children using a yellow bus are 87 times safer than those who are driven by parents, walk or use a bicycle.

The buses were first introduced in 1939 when US state officials, school leaders, and bus engineers met to adopt safety standards across America.

The shade of yellow was specifically chosen for the buses and became known as National School Bus Chrome.