Pupils got the chance to swap the classroom for the top of a double decker bus as they took part in a lesson with a difference.

A London bus visited The Coopers’ Company and Coburn School in St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, on Wednesday as part of a Metropolitan Police initiative to ensure students are reminded about their behaviour and how they can best protect themselves should a dangerous situation arise.

Police community support officers carry out these hour-long presentations on the top deck of buses to all Year 7 pupils around the borough.

Wednesday’s lesson also gave students a unique opportunity to ask a PCSO and a bus driver anything that is on their mind.

PCSO Jackie Whitelock said: “Days like today are a great chance for pupils to see us and to get to know us.

“We travel on buses in the borough all the time so after today they can make a connection and recognise us when we are out and about.”

Alan Abson, who has been a bus driver for nearly 20 years, said the lesson was a great idea.

He said: “Incidents happen on buses all the time so today is all about awareness and answering any question the pupils have.”

Luke Bonnett, head of Year 7 at the school, organised the event for pupils.

“We have very high standards of behaviour for our students inside and outside of school,” he said.

“It’s important we maintain these standards by organising events like today so that we reinforce the importance of good behaviour with all the pupils who are just starting with us.”