Brothers Michael and Richard Pittam are confused.

The pair have been left reeling after being denied free travel to school - despite qualifying for bus passes for a combined total of five years.

The pair, both pupils at St Bede's School in Heaton, had been granted free passes each year since starting at the secondary school - but from October 20 that could be set to change.

Mum Fiona said: "Education Bradford offers free bus travel in the city to all children who live more than three miles from their school.

"When Michael started school, Education Bradford measured the distance from our house at 3.2 miles and he was granted free travel. However, when Richard started a year later, they claimed we lived 2.9 miles away and he could not have a pass."

After the case was highlighted by the Telegraph & Argus in September 2004, education bosses apologised, claiming Richard, now 13, had been refused a bus pass due to "an error in calculating the distance between home and school".

"We are happy to provide a bus pass for Richard and apologise for any inconvenience caused," an Education Bradford spokesman said at the time.

However, two years on, the situation has changed again with the company that runs Bradford schools, now ruling both boys do not qualify for their passes.

Earlier this month, Mrs Pittam received a letter stating both Michael and Richard must pay for their own travel after a re-assessment.

An Education Bradford spokesman said: "Michael and Richard Pittam were allowed boarding cards in error - for which we apologise.

"Following a review of transport arrangements for September 2006, it became clear that the family lived less than three miles from St Bede's.

"The criteria for reviewing such a boarding pass is that pupils live more than three miles from school.

"There is a right of appeal and we have notified Mr and Mrs Pittam."

Mrs Pittam said she had been left fuming by the latest decision.

She said: "Two years ago they agreed we did indeed live more than three miles away - despite a mix-up.

"Now, they are once again saying we do not and the boys will not be allowed to use their passes from October 20.

"We have been told one thing and another. We have not moved house. The boys have always lived here. What is going on?

"It has left us annoyed and will mean we will have to pay £25 a week for both of them to get to school.

"It is ridiculous."

e-mail: dan.webber @bradford.newsquest.co.uk