SPECIALLY trained volunteers will be going into the borough's schools to teach youngsters how to cross the road safely.

The scheme has been made possible after Bury successfully bid for an £80,000 government grant.

Local co-ordinators will now be recruited and they could be in place by the New Year.

It is expected that the volunteers will begin working with children aged five to seven in the next summer term.

Bury was one of just 37 local authorities selected to share in the £3 million government handout.

Road Safety Minister David Jamieson said: "Although we have one of the best road safety records in Europe, we do not compare well with other European countries on child pedestrian casualties.

"We know that it is possible to teach young school children practical skills in crossing the road which they will remember.

"If we can catch them early, they will take these skills with them throughout their life."