YOUNGSTERS in Bidford will be shining brightly on their walk to school from now on after a housebuilder donated hi-vis jackets and slap bands to ensure they can be seen.

Fifty vests and 300 slap bands were handed over to Bidford on Avon C of E Primary School in Bidford by Taylor Wimpey to help encourage walking safely to and from school.

Pupils at the school are already familiar with road safety thanks to the Junior Road Safety Officer scheme which was set up by Year 3 teacher Andy Johnston.

He said: "We are dedicated to ensuring that our children remain safe to and from school.

"We also hope to implement a ‘park and stride’ scheme, where we will encourage parents to park at the car park behind the fire station and walk the remaining distance to school.

"I would like to thank Taylor Wimpey for their outstanding and continued support of our school and its children. We are very grateful for their donation."

Taylor Wimpey is also hoping the donation will help to keep the kids fit and healthy.

Elaine Taylor, regional sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey, which is currently building new homes at its Avon Meadows development in Bidford, said: "It’s astonishing that a third of Year 6 schoolchildren nationally are considered overweight or obese, yet a small amount of activity, like walking to school, can make such a difference.

"We are committed to supporting the communities in which we build our high-quality new homes, which is why we have donated hi-visibility vests and slap bands to Bidford on Avon C of E Primary School.

"We understand that family life can be busy, but we hope our contribution will help inspire families to swap the car for a safe walk to school instead."