Five hurt as Ardrossan Academy coaches crash on way to Alton Towers
Five children have been injured after two coaches taking Scottish pupils to Alton Towers crashed into each other.
The pupils from Ardrossan Academy were about 15 minutes away from the Staffordshire theme park when the collision took place.
North Ayrshire Council said it was a "minor accident", with five children treated for superficial cuts.
The 89 pupils, from the first, second and third years, are all now at the park, the council said.
Paramedics were called to the incident shortly after 08:00 on Thursday.
Following the all-clear from ambulance staff, a local bus company picked up the pupils and staff to take them on to Alton Towers.
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."
She added: "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."