A TOWN'S first ever ‘tiger crossing' has opened with a visit from its safety mascot.

Middlesbrough’s first ‘tiger crossing’ opened on Newham Way in Coulby Newham with Middlesbrough Council's road safety mascot Safety Squirrel on hand to inspect the works.

A tiger crossing combines a pedestrian zebra with a crossing for people on bikes. They are called tiger because early versions had yellow stripes on black tarmac.

Children and staff from Sunnyside Academy and Coulby Newham ward councillors David Branson, Stefan Walker and Luke Mason visited the crossing along with Middlesbrough Council officers.

Cllr Mason said: "I think the crossing is great news for the area as it provides residents with another safe place to cross Newham Way. It will also give many residents easy access to the planned Coulby Newham play park which will be getting built in the future."

Sunnyside headteacher Julie Sutton said: "We were very pleased to be involved in such an important community development.

"Ensuring the safety of both pedestrian users and cyclists is a great idea."