HUNDREDS of prizes will be given out next month to reward youngsters for wearing their bicycle helmets.

Spotters will be out in Stockton and Gateshead, from Sunday, August 5, to Sunday, August 19, as part of the Helmet Watch campaign.

Now in its third year, the campaign is the brainchild of The Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust, the UK's only helmet promotion charity.

Angie Lee, the charity's executive director, said: "Nearly 40 per cent of all child cycle deaths and casualties occur during the school summer holidays.

"The Helmet Watch scheme offers a fun way to encourage children to wear a helmet, while helping to reduce the toll of head injuries that occur during this prime injury time."

Youngsters spotted wearing a cycle helmet will be given a prize envelope including a cycle helmet cover, puncture repair kit, combination bike lock, and a leaflet offering them the chance to enter a competition to win a number of prizes, including a mountain bike.