Tom Hodgson claims he had to wade home through the floods after being "abandoned" by a York bus driver - for the sake of 5p.

First York has now launched an investigation after 12-year-old Tom said he was left in the pouring rain at a Micklegate bus-stop for not having the right change - forcing him to brave floodwater at Peasholme Green.

The driver is facing a disciplinary interview over the incident.

A spokesman for the bus company said: "I cannot make any further comment at this time".

Despite complaints to First York - which has a clear policy on not leaving children at bus-stops - the family have yet to receive an apology. This has angered Tom's mum, Jeanette.

"I can't believe this has happened," she said.

"Tom had to walk home in the floodwaters in the dark - anything could have happened to him. I want to highlight this to try and stop it happening again."

She claims that Tom had tried to pay with a £10 note for his 45p fare, but the driver of the No7 refused to accept it.

One of Tom's friends then offered the 40p he had in his pocket, but again the driver refused, leaving the All Saints' School pupil to make his own way home.

"He panicked and tried to walk home on his own rather than call us," said Mrs Hodgson.

"This should never have been allowed to happen."

Tom, who takes the bus every day to and from his home in Whernside Avenue, Burnholme, said: "I tried to get on but the driver was a bit weird and wouldn't change my £10.

"I've changed money before on the buses but he wouldn't let me this time. I had to walk home through all the water in the rain. It was horrible."

He said he tried to climb a gate to keep out of the water, but ended up having to wade through it.