THIS big brother of a double-decker has hit the streets of York, to allow Fulford School pupils to ride in style.

The oversized omnibus, which is owned by Top Line Travel, is the only one of its kind in York, and attracts wide-eyed stares as it ferries pupils to and from the school.

At 12 metres long, the MCW Metrobus Mark II is more than three metres longer than a standard double-decker, and seats 107 passengers, which is more than 30 more than its little brother can handle.

The six-wheeled mammoth was built in Birmingham, although it worked for several years in Hong Kong.

Among its "extras" are a closed-circuit TV camera, and a camera to help the driver reverse.

Top Line's owner, Peter Dew, said: "We put in a bid for this bus because it meant we could provide a better quality of service for the school, using just one bus instead of two 50 seaters."

He said the bus had no problems negotiating the streets of York, despite its size.

Fulford's head teacher, Steve Smith, said: "The pupils certainly enjoy travelling on it.

"Mr Dew has told me that he was very happy to lay it on for Fulford School, as he knows the high standard of behaviour among our pupils."

Updated: 10:46 Thursday, November 15, 2001