A CHARITY based in the region which supports families who have lost loved ones in road accidents is producing a DVD to warn youngsters of the dangers of being on the road.

RoadPeace North East is to target separate films at primary and secondary schools, as well as at college-aged students who may be driving for the first time.

One of those working on the project is Anita Thompson, who lost her 27-year-old son Nick when a car he was travelling in collided with a tree near Whorlton, Barnard Castle.

She said: “This will be a fantastic resource for young people and schools across the UK.

“RoadPeaceNorth East are committed to not only supporting those affected by road crashes, but ensuring it never happens to anyone else.

“A fatal crash leaves a sudden, terrible hole in people’s lives and, although I will never get over losing Nick, this project will give me a chance to use the experience I had to help others.”

The DVD will feature testimonials from those affected by such incidents and will be sponsored by solicitors’ firm Thompsons.

David Robinson, chairman of RoadPeace North East, said: “The importance of educating children and young adults on road safety cannot be overstated.

“That’s why we’ve been inspired to create something that could make young people think twice before taking risks, speeding or using their mobiles at the wheel, potentially saving lives.”

Backing has come from Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Transport.

He said: “It is in all our interests to use our roads safely and prevent crashes and the devastating consequences for individuals and families. We must set ourselves a target of zero crashes and zero loss of life, and serious injury, on our roads.”