A TELEVISION weatherman predicted a safer outlook for youngsters at the launch of a cycle helmet campaign.

Tyne Tees weatherman Bob Johnson teamed up with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Cleveland Police, Tees Health Authority and Spike the Hedgehog for the event at Ings Farm Primary School, in Redcar.

The campaign will involve handing out thousands of postcards to children wearing helmets, offering the chance to win a mountain bike.

The cards, featuring Mr Johnson, Spike and Loftus schoolchildren Christopher Morrison and Helen Bostock, who have both completed cycle safety training, will be distributed by police officers, road safety and health authority staff.

The council's road safety officer, Mike Hall, said: "We reckon the link-up with Spike and Bob will give the promotion a really wide appeal.

"We're asking the police, our own staff and the health authority to look out for youngsters wearing helmets and when they see them, they'll get a postcard."

The mountain bike winner will be announced in the New Year.