Parents and school governors have met to discuss better safety on service buses in the wake of a fatal crash, in which a 12-year-old boy died.

An inquest into Stuart Rhys Cunningham-Jones on Wednesday could not determine the exact cause of his death without more tests.

At least 10 other pupils from Cowbridge Comprehensive School in the Vale of Glamorgan were injured when their bus fell down an embankment and hit a tree in nearby Ystradowen on 3 December.

Stuart Rhys Cunningham-Jones died in the crash

On Wednesday evening, between 50 parents and governors met over the safety issues and called for the school to draw up a plan of action before the start of the spring term in January.

But they declined to discuss the details as they left the meeting.

Governors at the school have refused to publicly debate the safety issues while an investigation into the causes is ongoing.

It is understood, though, that questions were asked about alleged overcrowding on school service buses and pledges were sought to ensure safety improvements would be made before the spring term begins.

Dr Chris Howard, a parent and headteacher, who attended the meeting, said reassurances about improved safety were needed to restore confidence.

He confirmed there had been a "frank exchange" between parents and governors over key safety issues.

"We need suitable provision for transport to school next term and hopefully we can get suitable assurances on that," he said.

Stuart's body was released for burial - which will take place on Friday - by the coroner and the inquest was adjourned until a South Wales Police investigation is complete.

Calls for tighter school bus safety legislation have intensified in the wake of the accident, which injured 10 other children who were travelling home from school.

Pupils claimed "horseplay" and overcrowding aboard the double-decker - contracted by Vale of Glamorgan Council from EST - may have distracted the driver.

Legal bus

But detectives said the number of passengers on the vehicle - which did not have seatbelts - was 75, which did not exceed the legal limit.

The bus was also in a "satisfactory, roadworthy condition".

Current UK law means that double-decker buses carrying children need not provide belts for their passengers - that rule only applies to coaches and mini-buses used for school journeys.

But parents in Ystradowen - which numbers just 500 people - are expected to call on governors to implement safety measures regardless of legislative requirements.

Tributes have been left at the scene

Last week in the Commons, Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed his deepest sympathy for Stuart's family.

Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith had asked him whether the UK Government would launch a comprehensive review of the safe transportation of school children.

But Mr Blair said the police inquiry should be allowed to finish its work.

A local council spokesman last week said: "Once they're off school premises it isn't a matter for the local authority. It's a matter for the parents."