SCHOOL pupils took part in a balloon race to help promote a new bus service which comes when you call for it.

About 380 pupils from Gorse Hill Primary School on Holly Mount Road in Worcester unveiled the new Flexilink bus, which covers the Warndon area of Worcester.

The new county council Flexilink bus service will cover more than 12,500 homes from Monday, July 14.

Passengers wanting to use the service simply call 08457 125436 and the operator directs the bus driver to collect the passenger from one of more than 100 bookable pick-up points in the area.

"The launch of this service takes us a step closer to our goal of operating one of the most innovative and user-friendly transport networks in the country," said Chris Pettifer, Worcestershire County Council's Passenger Transport Manager.