A boy has started school nearly two months late because he could not get a place locally.

Ellis McCarthy, ten, had hoped to attend St Peter's Primary School in Sible Hedingham, where he lives.

But it was full so he was offered his second choice, 3.8 miles away in Halstead, which his mother Julie McCarthy declined because she cannot drive or afford the £100 bus journey for them both.

Ellis joined De Vere Primary School in Castle Hedingham on Monday but has had to walk the 1.8 miles - a 40 minute journey - as his subsidised transport had not been approved.

After call from the Gazette to Essex County Council, he has now been given transport from next week.

Mrs McCarthy, who has rheumatoid arthritis and requires help from carers five hours a week, said: "Who would want to move to Sible Hedingham if you can't get your child into the school?"