Representatives from the south Wales community affected by a school bus crash, which claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy, have spoken of their shock at the accident.

As residents around the Vale of Glamorgan town of Cowbridge began to learn of the tragedy, the council moved to offer specialist "support and advice" to those affected.

People are only just starting to hear about what has happened - there is incredible shock Cowbridge shopkeeper

The crash, which took place at around 1600 GMT on Tuesday afternoon, involved children from Cowbridge Comprehensive School.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the parents of the pupil who died," said Cowbridge mayor Janet Williams.

"The whole community will be devastated - the school is such a part of our community."

Stuart Rhys Cunningham-Jones died at the scene of the bus crash just yards from his home in Ystradowen.

Early on Tuesday evening, a local shopkeeper - who did not want to be identified - said local people were slowly hearing the tragic news.

"People are only just starting to hear about what has happened - there is incredible shock," he said.

Staff at the nearby Duke of Wellington pub said people had heard the sirens of police cars and ambulances rushing to the scene, but had not known the reason.

The bus left the road in Ystradowen

"Only now people are hearing about what happened," said one barmaid.

"I didn't know anything about it until a friend from Surrey rang to see how my kids were."

The headteacher of Cowbridge Comprehensive school Joan Cowell said staff were trying to determine how the accident would affect people.

"We are expecting a great number of distressed children and staff," she said.

A spokesman from the council said specialist "support and advice" would be made available to assist pupils and staff at the school.

'Devastating'

John Smith, MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, said the accident was "every parent's worst nightmare".

"This is a tragedy for the people of Cowbridge and the Vale of Glamorgan," he said.

John Smith MP: "Parent's worst nightmare"

"Our thoughts are with all the families concerned, and I will be calling on the education authority to launch an immediate and thorough investigation."

Vale of Glamorgan AM Jane Hutt described the accident as "devastating" for all involved.

"My thoughts go out especially to the family of the child who was killed, and those who are anxiously waiting for news of relatives.

Ms Hutt also thanked the emergency services and applauded Vale council's decision to make counselling available.

"It is vitally important that we find out why this accident happened and ensure that we learn lessons from it," said Ms Hutt.

Cowbridge Comprehensive School has 1,379 pupils and is located on three sites around the town.

South Wales Police have set up a help line for anyone who has concerns on 01656 869 499.