SCHOOL patrol officers are changing their uniform for the first time in two decades in a bid to clamp down on impatient drivers.

Patrol officers in Redcar and Cleveland have become the first in the North-East to trial a new safety coat after an increase in the number of drivers ignoring them.

The coat was designed after the death of an officer on duty in Lincolnshire, where the driver said he had not seen the patrol officer.

The jackets, which are 12 per cent more visible, include the message Passionate About Road Safety - North East England, and the words Thank You on the back.

The initiative is backed by the Government's Regional Development Agency, One NorthEast, through its Passionate People, Passionate Places campaign.

Officials hope it will stop the officers being confused with highway workers.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for strategic planning, development and infrastructure, Councillor Eric Empson, said: "This new high-visibility coat will ensure that our school crossing patrols, and the children they are protecting while crossing the road to school, will be seen even in adverse weather conditions."

One NorthEast's head of public relations, Chris Lines, said: "Redcar and Cleveland's decision to support the North-East England campaign in this unique way, is fantastic to witness."