A DONATION of hi-vis jackets have been given to pupils to make them safe when walking to school.

Pupils from Oakridge Infant School have been learning about International Walk to School Month with the support of housebuilder Barratt Homes.

With a new development at Chapel Gate in Kingsclere Road, Barratt is encouraging the idea of safely walking to school and has donated 30 hi-vis vests to help pupils be seen as darker nights draw in.

The idea of walk to school month is to reduce congestion on the roads and at the school gates, improved health and wellbeing and encourage sociability.

Headteacher at the Oakridge Schools Federation, Diane Charman, said: “It is great to receive this donation of vests from Barratt Homes which will hopefully help our pupils be more easily visible should they chose to walk to school.

“We continue to do all we can to support our families and encourage our children to walk to school as often as possible. The new entrance installed on Sherborne Road has already improved access to the schools by foot.”