A ROAD safety initiative targeting older people is being relaunched after proving popular last year.

Hartlepool Borough Council has bought 700 "See Me Bags" and will start distributing them from Monday.

The shopping bags incorporate a high-visibility strip to make those carrying them more conspicuous in the dark to motorists.

Road safety officer Paul Watson said: "The campaign is being relaunched following the success of last year's scheme, when 500 bags were given out.

"We have an on-going commitment to make our roads as safe as possible for both drivers and pedestrians, and this scheme is part of that. Hopefully, initiatives such as this will enable us to prevent accidents and reduce casualties.

"Being bright and visible at all times, especially during the hours of darkness, is a vital part of staying safe. These re-usable shopping bags are our way of trying to help people achieve that."

The bags, which have been purchased by the council as part of a North-East consortium of local authorities, are available from Age Concern, in Lister Street, the Headland Library, Central Library and Owton Manor branch library. They will be given out on a first come, first served basis.

The council has also produced leaflets identifying the different types of pedestrian crossings in Hartlepool and explaining how they should be used. These are to be distributed with the See Me Bags.