Specially trained counsellors were today comforting staff and classmates of a 12-year-old boy killed when a school bus ploughed into a tree.

Stuart Rhys Cunningham-Jones, of Ystradowen, died at the scene of the crash in Ystradowen, which also injured dozens of other youngsters.

The accident happened as the children were on their way home from school shortly after 3.30pm yesterday.

Ten other pupils from nearby Cowbridge Comp-rehensive School were taken to hospitals in the area, and others were treated at a nearby pub.

Counsellors were due to visit the school today.

Around 75 children were on the bus when it crashed after leaving the A4222 Aberthin Road. A spokesman for the Welsh Ambulance Trust said most required treatment.

After the incident, Pat Harris, who runs a campaign group called Busk - Belt Up School Kids - spoke about general safety on double-decker buses.

She said safety in buses containing schoolchildren was down to supervision as well as seatbelts.

Ms Harris said if double-decker buses must be used to transport children, they should be on a planned service run and both the top and bottom deck should be supervised.

She said that a "three for two" rule meant that three pupils were allowed to sit on a double seat on a double-decker bus.

But she added that there were restrictions on this rule - and that three children must be able to sit without hanging off the edge of the seat.

Six ambulances, four ambulance minibuses, an air ambulance and a rapid response vehicle took six children to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant, a further three to the Princess of Wales in Bridgend and one to Morriston Hospital in Swansea.

The ambulance spokesman said most of the other children were treated for cuts, bruising and shock at a special unit set up at the nearby White Lion pub.

The bus driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

* In the picture: The bus in which a 12-year-old boy died.