According to the UK Foreign Office, four boys from St Woolas Cathedral Choir in Newport, were taken to hospital Sunday night.

Twelve of the remaining choristers were released with minor injuries, and the remaining four - who suffered cuts and bruises - are now fit to re-join their team.

The British Embassy said local police were investigating after the crash, which occurred at Wenduine, near Ostend, at about 1700.

The two vehicles had collided as the coach was returning to a hostel at Ghent, where the party - aged from eight to 13 - was staying.

Three of the troupe had been taken to hospital at nearby Blankenberge and one to Ostend.

But the Foreign Office said their injuries were "light".

"The next of kin have been informed," a spokesperson added.

The coach driver, who is suspected to have three broken ribs, will stay in hospital for at least another night.

Bishop's choir

Choir master Christopher Barton said a party of 43, comprising young boys, teenagers and adults were on the coach when the smash happened. About 20 boys were onboard the coach together with twelve male singers and a number of adult helpers.

The choir was two days into its tour of Belgium, which will continue as planned, taking in performances at Bruges and Ghent.

The choir - which goes on tour annually and to Europe every two years - was due to return to Wales on Thursday.

The cathedral choir's church is in the diocese of Monmouth, where the outgoing Archbishop of Wales, Dr Rowan Williams, is bishop.

Choir members are regular performers on television and radio, according to a Newport County Council website.

'No panic'

Choir master Mr Barton said: "We had sung a mass in Ostend and we were on our way to a hostel in Ghent when the accident happened," he said.

"We were driving along quite happily and then we heard the tram's bell ringing and were hit on the side of the coach.

"The main impact was near the front but the coach remained on the road.

"There was no panic and the evacuation procedure was very good - we had the boys off the coach in no time at all.

"We put the boys on a large grassy area for safety. They were shaken but the emergency services were amazingly efficient."