Darlington Borough Council has become one of the first in the region to offer high-visibility shopping bags to help keep pensioners safe on the roads.
The authority has taken delivery of 500 lightweight See Me shopping bags.
They have reflective strips that help pedestrians be seen by motorists on dark winter evenings and mornings.
The bags will be distributed free of charge to older people through workers from Age Concern, in Darlington, and also from the Growing Older In Darlington group that looks after over-50s in the town.
Inside each bag is a leaflet with more information on how to stay safe when walking after dark.
Councillor Bryan Thistlethwaite, the council's cabinet member for adult services, said: "As winter approaches, it is more important than ever for older people to think about their safety when walking around the borough.
"These bags will help older people to be seen by motorists as they cross the road.
"The safety leaflets inside each bag also give some important advice which will help keep our older residents safe."
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