Five pupils and a bus driver have been taken to hospital following a road crash near Stirling.

The minibus, which was carrying senior students from Balfron High in Stirlingshire, was involved in a collision with a 4x4 on the the A811 Dumbarton Road near Gargunnock at 2.30pm on Friday.

STV News understands the female driver, who was a teacher at the school, had to be cut out of the vehicle and was among the most seriously injured.

Six casualties were taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital with "non life-threatening injuries" including broken bones and head injuries.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We received several calls of a road traffic accident on the A811 near to Gargunnock at around 2.30pm this afternoon. It involved a school bus.

"Five ambulances, a specialist response team and a heli med team from Glasgow attended, as well as a specialist trauma team."

He added: "The students on the bus and the driver are all described as being in a stable condition. They were taken to hospital with a variety of injuries - including broken legs, wrist injuries and head injuries."

A police spokeswoman said: "We are currently in attendance at the A811 Dumbarton Road following a collision between a mini-bus and 4x4, which was towing a trailer.

"The incident happened on a stretch of road between Kirk Lane and the Cambusbarron turn-off near Stirling shortly before 3pm on Friday.

"The female driver of the minibus and five of her passengers have been transferred to Forth Valley Royal Hospital for assessment however their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

"Local diversions are in place and motorists are thanked for their patience and cooperation."

A Stirling Council spokesman confirmed some pupils from Balfron High School were involved in the accident.

He added: "The driver and five pupils were taken to hospital, one as a precaution.

"All parents of affected pupils have been informed and staff are providing support at the school."

The road was reopened shortly after 5pm.