A SIX-FOOT squirrel helped promote the message about road safety.

Safety Squirrel, Middlesbrough's road safety mascot, took part in the launch of Brake Road Safety Week in Captain Cook's Square, on Saturday.

The annual event emphasises the need for safe driving and this year the focus was on the safety of child pedestrians and the need for motorists to slow down.

Among attractions in the square was a British School of Motoring roadshow along with a driving simulator and video hazard test.

As part of Brake Road Safety Week, all new primary pupils in Middlesbrough will be receiving a road safety pack.