A pilot scheme aimed at cutting the child road casualty toll will to be launched tomorrow.

About 2,000 children in east Durham are to be trained in road safety skills that could help save their lives.

Last year, there were 61 child pedestrian casualties in the Easington District area - almost half the 121 young road victims across the whole of County Durham.

And of the 61 child casualties in east Durham, 30 were in the five to 11 age group. The statistics do not include cyclists.

The child training scheme will be launched in the Deneside area of Seaham where teams of specially-trained volunteers will teach children aged seven and eight to understand the dangers they face.

Over the next 12 months, it is expected that about 2,000 children in every primary school in the district will learn practical road safety skills to keep them safe.

Alan Kennedy, Durham County Council's road safety manager, said: "East Durham, which has a higher than average child casualty rate, was targeted to try to reduce the high number of children, particularly pedestrians, killed or injured in road accidents.

"The training involves teaching children practical road safety skills, such as the consequences of crossing at a dangerous place or without thinking."

During the three-week practical training period, children will walk a designated route, supervised by a trainer and learn about safe places to cross following the green cross code.

They will also be drilled in observation skills, all aimed at keeping them safe.

Linda Hall, the county council's area road safety officer, said: "This comprehensive training package is vital for children of this age group who are keen to be out and about on their own, but who are still at an age where adult or parental supervision is very important.

"It is better they learn these vital skills while they are young and receptive to road safety training."