A TOURING exhibition on safe travel to school proved a big hit with shoppers when it visited Durham.

The Millburngate Shopping Centre played host to the Back to School Safely Road Show, staged by the Highways Agency and sustainable transport organisation, Sustrans.

The roadshow aims to educate and encourage children to take extra care when travelling to school.

Visitors received Safe Routes to School leaflets, from Sustans, reflective wrist bands from the Highways Agency and other items, including balloons, colouring books, pencils and reflective backpack animals.

There was also a prize draw for a mountain bike, which was won by Gareth Pearson, 16, from Durham City, who said: "I couldn't believe it when I heard I'd won.''

Milburngate Centre director Andy Bradley said: "We are delighted with the response to the roadshow.

"Many of our customers took the opportunity to learn more about safe travel to school and work and we had over 200 entries."