PUPILS are spearheading a drive to improve safety outside their school.

Children at St Helen's Primary School, Hartlepool, are taking the lead in the preparation of a school travel plan that aims to reduce parents' dependence on their cars, and encourage alternative forms of travel.

They are working with Hartlepool Borough council, and their teachers, to come up with ideas.

Karen Wilkinson, the council's school travel plan co-ordinator, is also working throughout the town to produce travel plans to reduce accidents, clear parked cars from school gates, and make children and their parents more familiar with travelling by bus and train.

The youngsters are being encouraged to put their ideas in a suggestion box at the school, and these will be considered by the school council, teacher Hilary Squire and chairwoman of governors Ena Savage.

Parents will also be able to make their views known by filling in questionnaires.