YOUNGSTERS are sending a message to thoughtless parents who block the schoolgates at home time.

Six pupils at Golden Flatts Primary School, in Hartlepool, have been handing out "tickets" to thoughtless parents who parked in the school grounds or who parked so they were blocking the schoolgates.

The youngsters wore high-visibility jackets in an initiative devised by the school to urge parents to think twice where they park at the end of the school day.

The junior wardens had to apply for the jobs, which were advertised on the school notice board. And they are being "paid" in a variety of ways, including time in the school's ball pool and extra play on the all-weather sports pitch.

Teaching assistant Emma Magee, who came up with the idea, said: "The young wardens are taking their roles very seriously - and the initiative is working very well. We have been able to deter a lot of people from the car park. Some parents only need to see the high-visibility jackets to move and are being good natured about it too.

"It does seem to be deterring parents from using the car park that leads to the nursery."

Headteacher Susan Sharpe said: "It seems to be working extremely well.

"The children have shown they are committed and very keen and very aware of safety issues - and wanting to promote safety. I have been really impressed by the way they have behaved and acted."

Joanne Taylor, Hartlepool Borough Council's travel plan assistant, said: "The issue of people parking in the school grounds, particularly at the nursery entrance, was highlighted during the school's work on its travel plan - a document setting out initiatives to increase the travel choices available to children and their parents.

"The school's travel plan co-ordinator, Emma Magee, advertised the posts for junior traffic wardens. Children who were interested had to fill in an application form and then they were interviewed.

"I'd like to congratulate the school on involving its pupils in such an innovative idea for tackling a serious safety issue."

It is hoped the scheme - which coincides with Walk to School Week - might ultimately persuade some parents to leave their cars at home and walk to school.