CHILDREN across East Lancashire are getting extra help to learn how to safely cross the road.

And Lancashire County Council want more parents and volunteers across the county to come forward and join the Right Start child pedestrian training.

Community beat managers have already teamed up with the road safety team to work with children at St Mary's School, Clayton-le-Moors, who have successfully completed the first stage of the Right Start programme.

Aimed at primary age children, the programme promotes classroom discussion and teaches practical activities at the roadside.

Anita Bailey, road safety adviser, said: "Right Start provides children with essential skills to manage the road environment.

"The programme encourages traffic awareness and pedestrian skills that are essential for young road users. By increasing awareness of these skills we can work towards reducing casualties in this age group."

PC Jason Manning, community beat manager for the Clayton-le-Moors area and Right Start trainer at St Mary's School, added: "Working in partnership with the Road Safety Group, primary schools and parents we can help children develop important skills to manage the road environment."

Beverley O'Neill, Reception teacher at the school, said: "The training resources have been absolutely excellent including hi-visibility jackets and support materials enforcing the road safety messages of the programme. The road-side training has been very worthwhile in familiarising the children with the road environment and I know the children have benefited immensely."

Lancashire County Council's Road Safety Group have helped to train nearly 20,000 schoolchildren through the Right Start Pedestrian training programme since it began in 1999.

For more information on the Right Start programme please contact Anita Bailey on 01772 534514 or log on at www.lancashireroadsafety. co.uk