PRIMARY school teachers and governors are appealing to parents to park more safely after a number of "near misses" involving children.

Ways of extending the car park at Fountains Primary School, in Grantley, near Ripon, are being investigated, but governors have found it is likely to be costly and may only provide a few extra spaces.

Until a solution can be found, headteacher Susan Gill has appealed to parents to take more care.

"We are asking people not to park other than in the marked bays," she said. "I realise it is inconvenient, but there will never be enough marked bays."

"Bus drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to manoeuvre in the turning circle and there have been one or two near-misses with cars and children.

"Our priority is the safety of the children."

She added that a health and safety officer was appalled at the parking situation during a recent inspection.