PUPILS at an Alloa school patrolled the surrounding streets with police support as part of Road Safety Week last month.

“Slow down” was the message at Sunnyside Primary School when the junior road safety officers organised a range of activities promoting better driver and pedestrian behaviour.

Community officers were happy to go along and help educate the pupils, who also used the opportunity to raise cash for road safety charity Brake.

The school’s Miss Duncan explained how local officers spoke to students in P4 to P7 while the younger children were read a road safety story by the junior road safety officers, who also received a bit of official backup when they patrolled in the area.

The teacher said: “It was a very positive experience and wonderful to see our young people taking on responsibilities to protect all in our community.

“We are very grateful for the assistance and support given by our local police officers.”

Money for the Brake charity, just under £100, was raised through a bake sale by the junior road safety officers.

Chief Inspector Drew Sinclair, area commander for Clackmannanshire, said local officers are always happy to work with pupils and were delighted to support Road Safety Week.

He added: “Road safety is one of our top priorities and it is great to have the pupils from Sunnyside Primary School finding out more about the importance of being safe when they travel to and from school.

“Community officers visit all schools in the area on a regular basis to talk with pupils about road safety. They learn about the importance of stopping, looking and listening when crossing the road.

“We also encourage parents and other road users to keep within the speed limits and to be aware of young people walking to and from schools.

“Another issue is inappropriate parking around schools and, again, we urge all motorists to take care and not to park or stop in a dangerous manner.”

The school’s depute head, Mr Mathis, was full of praise for the pupils.

He added: “Miss Duncan and the children have worked hard to raise the profile of road safety amongst our learners, we are very impressed by the positive impact they have had, and look forward to developing further links with organisations within our community.”