A TAXI firm has been forced to pay costs of more than £3,500 after operating an unlicensed service for school runs.

Staff from Broadway Cars in Newbury admitted to knowingly operating a vehicle using unlicensed taxi drivers at Reading Magistrates' Court.

A transport quality officer carried out an audit at Kennet School in January and a blue Ford Transit was seen dropping off three children.

Neither the driver or the vehicle were registered with West Berkshire Council and the company was fined £500.

Broadway Cars also had to pay costs of £3,000 and a surcharge of £50.

Councillor Iain McCracken, chairman of the joint Public Protection committee, said: "We believe this prosecution sends a clear message that maintaining the integrity of the licensing system is paramount to public confidence.

"The Public Protection Partnership will always investigate matters of this nature and where appropriate legal action will follow."