A FAMILIAR face will be waiting for children of Sandford St Martin's primary school when it moves to new premises.

The school's crossing guard will be staying on to help youngsters cross the road safely.

Children will be moving to the school's new location a short distance along the A351, Sandford Road, to a new building on the grounds of the old middle school.

There is already a puffin crossing at the site, so it doesn't meet the national criteria for a school crossing patrol.

But officials at Dorset County Council have worked with staff at Sandford St Mary's to find a solution, identifying a sponsor to fund the patrol.

Councillor Beryl Ezzard, who represents Wareham, said: “It is important that our school children are able to cross this road safely.

“It is a very busy road and it is important that drivers are aware of the crossing point.”

Additional warning signs and lights will remind drivers of the crossing at key times.