A HOUSING developer has donated dozens of high visibility jackets to a primary school in Clitheroe as part of a Road Safety scheme.

Barratt Homes, based at Ribble Meadow, donated the 50 vests to Edisford Primary School as part of an initiative to keep children safe when walking to and from school and on trips.

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The vests came in time for Road Safety Week and a spokeswoman for the school in Edisford Road said teachers were delighted with the donation and that it was good the company recognises child safety.

She said: “We are very grateful for the high visibility jackets we can give to the children.

“The vests are kept in school and are then given out to each child when we go on school trips.

“Not only does it make the children stand out in the dark, but it helps identify the children on pavements and in congested areas when out and about, it makes a difference”

“We have had previous jacket donations in the past, but this fresh batch means we can give them to more children and there’s no harm in that.”

Rob Pye, head teacher at Edisford Primary School, thanked Barratt Homes for the vests.

He said: “We try to encourage as many of our pupils as possible to walk to school in a safe and sensible fashion.

“It is great to see a developer support such a valuable initiative and we really appreciate the donation from Barratt Homes.”

Road Safety Week is the UK’s biggest road safety event, co-ordinated annually by road safety charity Brake, which works to prevent road death and injury, make streets and communities safer and support the victims of road crashes.

According to a survey by the charity, 39 per cent of primary school children said they have been hit or nearly hit by a vehicle while on foot or on a bike.

Graema Gibb, sales manager at Ribble Meadow, said: “Now the clocks have gone back it is more difficult for motorists to see pedestrians in the dark mornings and nights.

“We want to help school children in the local community stay safe when out walking by offering high-visibility vests so they can be seen by motorists.”