A PROCESSION of youngsters from Windale Primary School filled Dunnock Way this week as the Dovecote Project launched its first walking bus.

The centre in Nightingale Avenue has shrugged off an ongoing funding crisis to get under way the scheme, which will ferry youngsters to its daily after-school activities.

Four children were led across the road by centre worker Kayleigh Shaw on Tuesday and by the following day the number had risen to seven.

Dovecote family services co-ordinator Carol Richards said: "It gives parents a chance to spend time with other siblings and not have to rush to get them back and forth.

"This will also support our working parents, especially in the winter when it's dark and horrible."

Despite a few "teething problems" with pick-up points on the first day, staff at the centre in Greater Leys are confident the move will be a successful one.

For more information on Dovecote or to sign up call 01865 712299