AN elderly motorist who ploughed into a classroom when he lost control of his car, has surrendered his driving licence.

Mr Harold Schofield, in his late seventies, was reversing out of his drive in Green Hall Close, Atherton, opposite Green Hall School, when the car shot out of control.

It crashed through metal railings and flattened shrubs before careering across grass and smashing into the wooden wall of the domestic science classroom.

Fourteen children, aged 14 and 15 were in the room at the school with their teacher when the car hit, severing gas and water pipes and electricity cables.

Nine children and the teacher were taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital suffering from shock and one boy was kept in for observation.

The school remained closed until yesterday when pupils returned for lessons.

Mr Schofield has since voluntarily handed his driving licence in to police, giving up his right to drive again. As a result he will not face any charges from the police.

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