A HOMEBUILDER is doing its bit to help schoolchildren stay safe as the nights draw in.

In support of International Walk to School month this October, Taylor Wimpey has donated high visibility snap bands to pupils at Stokesley and Yarm primary schools.

The annual initiative, organised by UK charity Living Streets, aims to encourage families to leave the car at home and walk to school safely.

According to research by Living Streets, less than half of all school children are currently walking to school, a drop from 70 per cent a generation ago.

The research also found that children who exercise before school arrive refreshed and ready to learn. Scott McFarlane, headteacher at Stokesley Primary Academy, said: “It’s really important to us that our pupils are happy and engaged when they arrive at school and walking is a great way for them to start the day.

"We want to encourage children and their parents to walk to school and the high visibility snap bands donated by Taylor Wimpey will help them to do this more safely.”

Steven Ball, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey North Yorkshire said: “ We hope that our donation of snap bands to Stokesley Primary Academy will help to encourage children to lead a healthy lifestyle, while staying safe on their walk to school.”