Harborough schoolchildren make sure they can be seen during Road Safety Week

Youngsters at a Market Harborough primary school have been handed a load of hi-vis tops to mark Road Safety Week.

Some 35 bright yellow vests have been donated to pupils at Ridgeway Primary Academy by Leicestershire housebuilder David Wilson Homes.

The children will be able to wear the special jackets walking to and from their school on The Ridgeway, making them easier to see as the dark nights draw in.

Dave Turner, head of school at Ridgeway Primary Academy, said: “The pupils were delighted to receive the hi-vis vests from David Wilson Homes.

“They are already being put to good use by our pupils who walk, scoot and cycle to school.”

He added: “We are committed to ensuring our pupils lead healthier lives.

“So these vests are an excellent way to ensure they can continue to exercise safely as they travel to and from school on foot, bike or scooter."

Road Safety Week, set up by top national charity BRAKE, goes ahead in November each year.

The event aims to highlight road safety while urging pupils to get to and from school safely.

Rachael Harrison, sales director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said: “We want to ensure the pupils in the local communities remain visible now the darker nights are here - and our donation has hopefully still encouraged them to safely practice Road Safety Week.

“This is a campaign we actively support each year as we endeavour to help local schoolchildren in their efforts to commute on foot.

“The hi-vis vests have proven to be both effective and practical.”

She added: “As a result of the Covid-19 crisis, it’s even more important for us to support the local schools in and around the communities we build.

“So we are thrilled to have had the chance to support Ridgeway Primary Academy during this time.”