Bus operator First has come up with an explosive way of getting its message across that bad behaviour on its school runs will not be tolerated.

Last year in Bradford there were 500 reported acts of vandalism on school services, including graffiti, seat slashing and other anti-social antics.

And 450 windows were smashed - and at £250 each to replace it's a costly business, says First's Schools Liaison Officer Phil Thornton.

Just last week the 570 service from Halifax to Bradford had all its windows smashed by vandals.

To help cut repair bills and put a stop to disruptive passengers, the bus company called in media and drama students from Thornton Grammar School to act in and direct a hard-hitting video warning of the dangers.

The pupils spent three hours filming the educational video at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's Birkenshaw headquarters yesterday.

It will be watched by thousands of primary pupils across our district and will be rolled out to schools nationwide.

"The last school video they made was in 1998 and was a bit cheesy. We wanted to make this more realistic and gritty," said 15-year-old Thornton Grammar pupil Jack Summers.

And 14-year-old fellow pupil Mark Flack said: "Our school is alright, there isn't much trouble on the bus but I've been on other buses to other schools and have seen some horrendous things happen - bullying is one of the worst."

One of the most shocking video scenes shows a group of teenage boys slashing a back seat, stuffing it with newspaper and setting it alight.

It takes just 30 seconds for the whole of the top deck to be engulfed in flames and toxic, choking smoke.

"That really shocked me. I didn't expect the whole thing to go up so quickly," said Jack.

Mr Thornton said: "Burning the bus is an explosive way of getting our message across that anti-social behaviour on our buses will not be tolerated."

Mr Thornton said: "We're getting on top of it here in Bradford but the video is just another way of making sure we stay that way.

"We will prosecute where necessary, it's as straightforward as that."

Anyone caught being irresponsible is now issued fixed penalty fines which include £25 for opening doors before the bus stops and £50 for smoking.