TEN schools in Darlington are in talks with council bosses, in the hope of further improving children's safety.

Travel plans have already been drawn up by 11 schools in the area, aiming to encourage more youngsters to walk and cycle, as well as reducing accidents and cutting congestion.

Each school received Government grants to come up with the proposals, which were signed off by the borough council.

And the council's transport forum will hear next week that more schools are keen to sign up.

A report from development director John Buxton said: "At present, ten more schools have had initial meetings with the school travel plan officer to begin work on travel plans, bringing the total number of schools involved in the programme to 21 - more than half of all schools in the borough.

"Each school will be working towards solving their own school gate problems with initiatives that will suit their own circumstances."

The forum meets in the town hall on Monday to discuss the matter.