POLICE were called to a Rayleigh school after fears a coach driver had been drinking cider.

Year 9 pupils from the Fitz- Wimarc School, in Hockley Road, were returning from a school trip to London’s Docklands when a pupil noticed a can of cider in the driver’s cab.

The pupil took a photo of the can and sent it to her mother, who contacted the school. Police met the driver when the coach arrived at the school and breathalysed him.

The test showed a zero result for alcohol.

Headteacher Robert Harris sent a letter to parents confirming the incident had happened.

It has not been disclosed which company provided the driver of the coach, but the school has taken action in response to the incident.

In his letter, which has been seen by the Echo, Mr Harris said: “I can confirm there was a largely full can of cider in the cab on the journey. The coach driver was met at the school and recorded a zero breath test.

“We do now leave this matter in police hands, but I can confirmthe school will not employ the services of this driver again for any company and will seek reassurance from the company on its procedures before we even consider employing its services again. We have cancelled all remaining bookings to this effect.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police were called to the FitzWimarc School, Rayleigh, at about 4.10pm on Wednesday, March 18, following reports of an incident on a coach.

“Officers attended and conducted a breath test.”