CHILDREN at a Newton Abbot primary school have been taking part in a new child pedestrian safety programme.

Youngsters from Courtenay and Templar Class from All Saints Marsh C of E Academy joined the programme to help them learn key pedestrian road safety rules.

The Child Pedestrian Training programme has been developed by Active Devon working with Devon County Council and Vision Zero South West, and is offered free of charge to all schools across Devon.

The training covered a range of essential road safety topics across a theory and practical session.

Children learned about understanding road signs and their meanings, mastering the Green Cross Code, navigating road crossings, identifying safe routes to cross, and always staying vigilant and aware.

A spokesman for All Saints Marsh said: ‘The children were shown not only how to cross roads safely, but what to look out for when crossing roads (road signs, lines and cars) which could all support children crossing safely.

‘This was the first time some of our children had crossed the road on their own.’

Walking to school is an important part of the Government’s active travel agenda and will help more children to become more active.

One Year 4 child said: ‘That was great, I’ve always wanted to cross the road on my own.’