Students are hoping tonight will be free of vandalism and violence after launching their own campaign for a Squeaky Clean Hallowe'en.

Youngsters from Berkeley Institute have been joined by pupils from CedarBridge Academy in their battle to stop anti-social Hallowe'en behaviour.

Following damage caused to buses in previous years by teenagers throwing eggs, rocks and even Molotov cocktails, bus operators in Bermuda will not run public transport beyond about 7 p.m. tonight.

One year a bus driver narrowly escaped injury and saved his passengers from danger when he managed to safely stop his bus after a rock had been thrown through his window.

Students team up to stop violence But yesterday, Berkeley students Nishanti Bailey, Chauntae Whitter, Frankco Harris and Mpumelelo Richards attempted to reclaim the October 31 festivities, by presenting painted eggs to the Public Transportation Board (PTB), along with a petition with almost every pupil's signature promising to fight crime.

Frankco Harris, 16, said the school's pledge was a continuation of a Hallow'een scheme they ran in conjunction with the Police and PTB last year.

He said: "We have called our campaign Squeaky Clean Hallowe'en and are asking other students to participate with us by not throwing eggs and other things that might cause damage.

"In the past, people have thrown any object they could find, including batteries, and people could easily get hurt -- that's the concern.

"This petition from the students tells the Police and the PTB that we are part of the solution, not the problem.'' Maya Davis, 15, from CedarBridge, said students at her school had drawn up a list of principles consisting of dos and don'ts for Hallowe'en.

She said anyone at the school found causing damage or being violent on the buses would be banned from that route for a week and would face consequences at school, if not by the law, as well.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Gertrude Barker said she welcomed the students' campaign.

She added: "We are delighted the students have taken ownership of this campaign in naming it a Squeaky Clean Hallowe'en and we would encourage other schools to get on board.''