Two coaches carrying Scots pupils crashed while on their way to a theme park in England.

Four busloads of pupils from Ardrossan Academy in North Ayrshire were on their way to Alton Towers in Staffordshire in the early hours on Thursday when the collision happened.

One of the coaches crashed into the back of another around 15 minutes away from the theme park. A window was smashed and the coach damaged.

Five pupils received minor cuts in the crash but none were seriously injured. Paramedics then gave the all clear for them to continue to the theme park.

After the crash a replacement bus was provided and the pupils continued on their way to Alton Towers.

A spokesman for North Ayrshire Council confirmed two buses carrying pupils from Ardrossan Academy were involved in a "minor" collision and no one suffered serious injury.

Ardrossan Academy Head Teacher Lisa Chalmers said: "Parents should be reassured that pupils have been thoroughly assessed by paramedics and no-one has suffered any serious injuries although five pupils have received treatment for some minor cuts.

"Although the paramedics made it clear that all pupils were fine to travel on to Alton Towers, we have opted to be cautious and taken the decision that no child would be allowed on any of the rides until we had explicit approval from a parent or immediate family member.

"I would like to thank the pupils and our staff, as well as the paramedics who attended and also the local coach company who stepped in to ensure the children were able to make their way to the park after the accident.

"The spirits of the pupils and staff are high and they are still determined to enjoy the outing. New coaches are being provided to bring the pupils home and we expect the return arrangements to remain the same."