EVERY day 12-year-old David Wyeth catches the bus to school at half fare because he is under 16 years old.

So he was naturally astounded when a bus driver refused to take him to Chamberlayne Park School in Weston, Southampton, because he didn't have identification to prove his age.

David, who was wearing his uniform and carrying his schoolbag, was even more shocked when the bus driver started radioing other drivers telling them not to let him on the bus.

The youngster, who ended up spending Thursday at home because of the incident, said: "I got on the bus, got my money out and asked for a half return to Weston. The driver said have you got any ID and I said no, so he said you can't get on then.

"He said you're not going on the next one and I will make sure of that. I couldn't believe it that he phoned up in front of my face and said to all the other bus drivers not to pick me up."

Luckily his mum Linda, a wedding gift adviser at Debenham's in Southampton, had the day off work, but she doesn't have a car to take David to school.

Linda, 40, of Glen Road, Woolston, said: "I spoke to First Southampton and they said it's "a privilege" for under-16s to travel on the bus at half fare, whether they have school uniform on or not. I can't believe it - it was obvious he's under-16 and he was going to school.

"He's only 12, he's never rude, and he gets on that bus every day with a young girl who goes to his school."

A member of staff at Chamberlayne Park was also on the bus and heard what was said to David. The school has now decided to ask First Southampton for an explanation.

Mrs Wyeth added: "She couldn't believe what the bus driver was saying to David. He was determined not to allow him on any bus."

First Southampton spokeswoman Patricia Gray said: "First Southampton regrets that a Chamberlayne Park School pupil was not allowed to travel at child's fare on a bus this morning.

"All children aged 11-16 should always carry an under-16 identification card with them, which is available free from the First Travel Shop in Pound Tree Road, and entitles them to child's fares.

"First Southampton says that on this occasion, when the pupil concerned was clearly travelling to school, the rule could have been overlooked at the driver's discretion.

"The company is now investigating the incident and any appropriate action will be taken."