Elderly people and children will have a glow about them this winter, thanks to a bright idea by Durham Police.

Off-cuts of high-tech reflective strips normally used on police patrol cars will be stuck on shopping trolleys, wheelchairs, bags and coats to help people stand out in the dark.

The move follows an experiment last year on Durham's Sherburn Road Estate, which proved successful.

Prisms within the reflective strips, which cost £400 for a 50-metre roll, catch all available light, and can be seen up to half a mile away.

Pensioners and youngsters at New Acres Community Hall, Ushaw Moor, near Durham, were issued with the reflective strips yesterday.

Norah McEleavey, 68, of New Acres, said: "If the drivers can see you ahead then it will be a good thing. I don't much like going out after dark, but this will make me feel safer."

Tim Thompson, Neighbourhood Watch coordinator, said: "We want pedestrians to be seen more easily by drivers and motorcyclists on the roads.

"That is especially important at this time of year with the clocks going back on Sunday.

Road Casualty Reduction Officer, PC Dave Nixon, said: "Using the reflective strips from police cars is a simple, inexpensive way of trying to offer a little added protection."