YOUNGSTERS from a Bournemouth school learned about the importance of being seen in the dark during a visit by Dorset Police officers.

The road safety day at Malmesbury Park Primary School, organised by officers from Charminster and Queens Park Safer Neighbourhood Team, was intended to encourage children to take more care near roads during winter evenings.

Police Constable Jo Murphy and Police Community Support Officer Rich Frew visited last week and gave a presentation, and all the pupils at the school received a flashing reflective light to wear while travelling. PC Murphy said: “All the children were presented with a small battery-operated flashing light which they can clip onto their bikes, school bags, coats or scooters to help them be seen by other road users during the winter months as they make their way to and from school.

“I would like to remind all parents to make sure their children are wearing suitable reflective clothing during the darker nights and have lights fitted on their bikes or scooters to ensure they can be seen and stay safe.”

Jackie Green, headteacher of Malmesbury Park Primary School, said: “The visit from the officers was excellent.

“The children now have a good understanding of the need to keep themselves safe, especially when travelling to and from school.

“They were very excited to receive the lights and are using them.”

She added: “We would like to thank councillor Cheryl Johnson for all her support in making this happen.”

The lights were funded by the school and Bournemouth Council’s Local Improvement Fund, allocated by Queen’s Park ward Cllr Johnson.

She said: “Road safety is so important.

“The statistics show such high numbers of children injured on roads in England – over 85,000 each year – and this number simply must be reduced.”