AN investigation has been launched after an 11-year-old Prestwich schoolgirl was dropped off on a motorway hard shoulder after boarding the wrong bus.

A kind-hearted motorist later ferried the girl to Prestwich High School after seeing her stranded on the M60 near the Whitefield junction.

Now, police are trying to trace the bus company and the bus driver following the incident on Tuesday morning as the girl was making her way to school.

Inspector David Jones, of Whitefield Police, said: "The girl got off on the hard shoulder of the M60 at Whitefield after boarding the wrong bus. There had obviously been some confusion."

A male motorist who saw the girl stopped and offered her a lift. But she was reluctant to accept the invitation.

However, after the man contacted police and told officers what had happened, the schoolgirl was taken to her destination.

Insp Jones continued: "At the moment, we are endeavouring to speak to the bus company and the driver."

It is understood the girl only realised she had boarded the wrong bus when it went on to the motorway.