[Mrluvaluva]

An exam board is offering a certificate for simply catching a bus - but the recipients insist the £20,000 scheme is worthwhile.

Bobby McHale, 15, from Bury, Greater Manchester, received the AQA 'qualification' for completing a three-week summer programme.

Students of Bury Council's youth service are given the award for passing the Using Public Transport unit - which simply requires candidates to walk to a bus stop and get on a vehicle.

But while both Bobby and his dad Andy described the certificate as "stupid", they stressed that the project is "fantastic value for money" and don't want it to be scrapped.




How To Get The Bus Certificate


1. walk to the local bus stop;

2. stand or sit at the bus stop and wait for the arrival of a bus;

3. enter the bus in a calm and safe manner;

4. be directed to a downstairs seat by a member of staff;

5. sit on the bus and observe through the windows;

6. wait until the bus has stopped, stand on request and exit the bus.




After paying £9 for a three-week bus pass - cheaper than it would otherwise be - students can take part in free activities such as archery and football and volunteer in community projects.

The scheme serves 900 children in the area at a cost of £20,000 but, at just over £20 a child, it is valued in the community.

Andy told Sky News Online: "Anyone who sees kids going on that scheme knows it's a good idea."

Bobby, meanwhile, said he was "slightly embarrassed" by all the media attention.

Perhaps it is no bad thing that the family are heading off on holiday - though it is unclear whether they will be taking the bus.


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