POLICE are touring Wear Valley schools with a road safety message for 2,000 youngsters.

Sergeant Brian Maudling and traffic warden Elaine Wild are aiming their campaign at primary age children in the Crook and Willington areas.

Part of their initiative is a poster competition, open to children from 14 schools, with a mountain bike going to the overall winner. Cycle helmets will go to age group winners.

The project is backed by the Argos store, at Bishop Auckland, and Sgt Maudling is hoping to find other support.

In particular, he wants to give each child a fluorescent armband to make them more visible to drivers.

He said: "We are focusing on simple messages like 'be safe and be seen' to teach the children how to cross the road."

Anyone who can support the campaign should ring Crook police on (01388) 762011.