PUPILS returning to school after the summer break have been marking the first anniversary of new car seat laws.

Child seat experts and a council road safety officer joined forces with children from Gurney Pease Primary School, in Darlington.

A survey of road safety experts has revealed babies and young children could still be at risk when travelling by car, according to Halfords research.

It comes nearly one year after legislation was introduced for young children under 135cm to use a car seat.

Halfords asked members of the Local Authority Road Safety Officers Association (Larsoa), who said 87 per cent of parents were still confused about which child seat is right.

Halfords child seat specialist Peter Douthwaite said: "There are still far too many children travelling unrestrained in the car, and young lives continue to be put at risk. We want to educate and advise anyone travelling with babies and young children."

Drivers face a £30 fixed penalty notice or a fine of up to £500 if their children are not strapped in properly.