A SCHEME to improve the safety of youngsters travelling to and from school has been hailed a success.

An event, Planning for Real, was held at Greatham Primary School, Greatham, to consider ways of protecting children on their daily journeys.

A table-top 3D scale model of the village was constructed in the school hall to enable safety concerns to be pinpointed and possible solutions suggested.

Pupils were involved, along with parents, people living near the school, and representatives of the parish council.

Karen Wilkinson, Hartlepool Borough Council's school travel plan co-ordinator, said: "There was particular interest in the situation in Egerton Terrace, the road outside the school, and a number of suggestions, covering issues such as safety rails for children and measures for cutting vehicle speeds, were put forward.

"Some general concern was expressed about the speed of traffic in the centre of the village and that is something we will also be looking at.

"I will be presenting a written report back to the school in September and we will then develop and prioritise a plan of action that will form part of the school's travel plan."

School Travel Plans aim to reduce parents' dependence on cars when taking their children to school by encouraging alternative forms of travel.

They also consider how practical safety measures can be used to better protect youngsters as they travel to and from school.