AN OPTICIAN is ensuring youngsters stay safe – by donating 200 high-visibility vests to a local primary school.

Specsavers in Northallerton has given the bright yellow vests to the town’s Alverton primary school to mark the national Road Safety Work.

Optical assistants Zoe Hobbs and Sarah Baister visited the school to present the vests in the hope of increasing the safety of local children when out and about by making it easier for motorists to spot them.

And pupils also took part in a special workshop to ensure that they’re safer when their learning takes them out into the community, while walking to and from school and on school trips.

Store director Ruth Sinclair said: “At this time of year with the dark mornings and nights, combined with the winter weather, it can be difficult for motorists to see pedestrians, and dusk is particularly hazardous when the children are walking home from school.

“With this in mind we decided that, as part of Road Safety Week, we wanted to help increase the safety of children in Northallerton and offered Alverton Primary School the high visibility vests.”

She added: “As part of the initiative, we are also hoping to raise awareness of free glasses and eye tests that are available to under 16-year-olds.”

To find out more about Road Safety Week visit roadsafetyweek.org.uk