CHILDREN at two schools have been given high visibility snap bands to help them stay safe during the winter months.

Housebuilder Barratt Homes donated 300 of the fluorescent bracelets to pupils at Kirk Merrington Primary School and Rosa Street Primary School, in Spennymoor, as part of its Be Safe, Be Seen initiative, which aims to educate schoolchildren on road safety and awareness.

The bright bands will illuminate children walking to and from school in the dark.

The firm is handing out 750 bands across the North East to help make as many children safe as possible in local communities.

A spokesperson said because Barratts has developments at nearby Merrington Park and Burton Woods bosses were keen to ensure it showed its support to children at local schools.

Fenton Hewitt, sales director for Barratt Homes North-East, said: "Be Safe, Be Seen is a great initiative and we’re happy to contribute to such a worthwhile cause.

"With the nights getting darker, it is important that children can have a safe walk to and from school.

"We wanted to give them something that they would enjoy wearing and everyone seemed to really like the design of the bands: we hope they can make a genuine difference to road safety in the local area.”