THE borough's schools can now apply for free travel on the Underground, buses, Docklands Light Railway and Tramlink on school trips during term time.

The scheme was launched recently by Mayor Ken Livingstone to give school children across the capital more opportunities to visit educational and cultural venues.

Any school or college in the Greater London Authority area which follows the national curriculum and teaches five to 18-year-olds is eligible, with pupils allowed two trips a term.

Deputy headteacher of Ravens Wood School, in Bromley, Sean Hislop, said: “We will be using the travel scheme mainly for six form trips. It is a great benefit, making organisation of school trips and access to venues very easy, as we don't need to book coaches any more.

“It also gives us a viable public transport alternative, which is environmentally friendly, keeping the roads clear.”

Mr Livingstone said: “I am delighted to launch free travel for school trips in London. I hope this encourages more visits to London's wealth of attractions.”

For more information, call Transport for London on 020 7918 3262.