SCHOOL pupils breathed a collective sigh of relief after their week-long adventure trip was saved thanks to a speedy coach firm.

More than 150 Year Seven Manor CE School students waited patiently with their parents outside the school in Boroughbridge Road, York, to be taken on an exciting break to Otterburn Hall.

But with no sign of the three coaches after 20 minutes worried staff discovered that the firm booked to transport them had gone bust.

Dave Crane, head of pastoral care and PE, who organised the trip, said there was every chance of it being cancelled had it not been for the quick reactions of Rufforth-based K&J Travel.

"I had 150 people waiting to go, but no transport," he said.

"I was a bit disappointed that the coach firm we originally booked didn't let me know what had happened.

"I didn't tell anyone what was happening to avoid any panic and phoned up K&J to see if they could help.

"They were supersonic and had three coaches with us within 20 minutes. I can't thank them enough - it would have been a complete disaster."

Judy Bradshaw, travel co-ordinator for K&J Travel, said: "We had other jobs on but managed to work round them, so the kids didn't have to sit around."

Hessay-based Coach Travel Services, which was given the original contract, has gone into receivership with the loss of five jobs. It had seven coaches in its fleet.

Owner Jenny Bilham, who has found alternative work for her employees, said the closure was caused by a loss of contracts and the knock-on effect of becoming a limited company. She apologised for the no-show at Manor School, but says it was not her fault.

"Another operator I hired to cover the Manor School job forgot to write it down in their diary," she said.

"I've never let anyone down before and I'm shocked by what happened.

"I apologise to anyone that has been involved in this, but it was due to circumstances out of my control."

Updated: 10:42 Friday, November 07, 2003