CHILDREN at a primary school are learning a serious road safety message in a fun way, thanks to equipment donated by a firm of solicitors.

Neville's Cross Primary School, in Durham City, has taken delivery of role-play road-crossing equipment which was donated by Newcastle law firm Irwin Mitchell.

It includes a junior lollipop lady's outfit and a zebra crossing, to teach the children the basics of safety.

This week has been designated Road Safety Week, designed to cut the number of children killed and injured on the nation's roads.

Last year, Durham Police recorded 177 road accidents involving children, including three deaths.

For Irwin Mitchell, solicitor Jane Pyrah handed over the equipment to the school.

She said: "We have to help families who have experienced the tragic and heartbreaking consequences of road accidents.

"We wanted to do something special for Road Safety Week that shows our support, and encourages children and teachers to think more about the dangers."

Headteacher Hazel Bullock said: "We would like to thank Irwin Mitchell for the road-crossing set. It's very important that children learn about road safety as early as possible and this will go a long way to helping achieve that."