SCHOOLCHILDREN are putting their safest feet forward with Somerset County Council and the emergency services this month.

Pupils at three primary schools in Bridgwater – St Mary’s in Oakfield Road, Hamp Academy in Rhode Lane and Westover Green in West Street – will learn all about the importance of pedestrian safety while walking and crossing roads.

The council’s road safety team is providing talks and pedestrian training for youngsters as part of activitypacked, dedicated safety days at each school.

Bridgwater youngsters will get advice on how to cross the road safely and find safe places to play.

They will also learn to be traffic-aware and why wearing high visibility clothing is a good idea.

Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Road Safety Policy, said: “It is never too early to get youngsters thinking about the dangers of crossing roads, and we are encouraged that these Bridgwater schools are working with us and the emergency services to get children thinking about how to be traffic-aware.

“Road safety is important for people of all ages and these sessions have a double benefit, where children, having learned about pedestrian safety, will then go back home to tell their families what they have learned.”

The road safety visits will see pupils from Years 1 to 6 escorted out around the areas near their school, using the routes they use to get to school, to get their ‘pedestrian training’.

Representatives from Avon & Somerset Police, Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, South Western Ambulance Service and courier company DHL are also taking part.

Cllr Leigh Redman has welcomed the training being provided for young people in Bridgwater.

He told the Mercury: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the young people of our communities to get support and training.

“As we are all aware traffic in Bridgwater can be intimidating, this is before the increase associated with Hinkley Point C traffic hits our town, anything we can do to encourage better awareness of their environment and increase road safety knowledge must be welcomed.”