THOUSANDS of children on Teesside are being given a safe start to their school life with a free safety pack.

Launched by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's road safety team, it is part of an ongoing scheme which targets more then 2,500 reception children each year.

The information pack, for children and parents, includes a Get Across The Road Safely leaflet, the Green Cross Code, Be Safe, Be Seen fluorescent and reflective stickers, plus a Driving Children To School leaflet.

The council's road safety manager, Mike Hall, said: "We believe we are leading the way with this sort of information pack, and if it can prevent just one accident involving a child, then we'll be delighted."

Ormesby Primary School headteacher, Tracy Clarvis, whose pupils were among the first to receive the packs, said: "Because of the position of the school, with a number of busy roads close by, these packs will be particularly significant for our children in making them aware of the importance of road safety."