A successful training scheme which teaches pupils to be safe pedestrians is in need of extra helpers to drive it forward.

Bradford Council's Road Safety Team has been running a programme at various primary schools throughout the district to help seven and eight-year-olds be aware of the dangers when crossing the road.

The project involves one classroom session and three practical sessions, run by casual employees, which focus on teaching three skills - choosing safe places and routes, crossing safely at parked cars and crossing safely near junctions.

The Council has run its own courses since April last year and 48 schools have taken part with about 2,207 children receiving the training.

This was set up after an initial project, called Kerbcraft, ran for five years and was funded by the Government. Road safety officer Huma Rahman said: "This project has been extremely popular and it's important pupils learn the basic skills about how to cross roads safely.

"We are now extending the scheme to even more schools and we need to get more willing helpers on board to ensure we can expand and offer the sessions.

"Children are a vulnerable group and there were 108 child pedestrian injuries in 2006. This vital training should help to reduce that number."

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, the Council's executive member for the environment, said: "This is a fantastic programme which is helping the children in our district to stay safe when crossing the road.

"Hopefully, people will come forward to help run the sessions as more and more schools are signing up for them."

Casual helpers are paid an hourly rate and mileage and given full training.

For further details contact Huma Rahman on (01274) 437409.

The sessions take place in groups of 15, and last for 45 minutes.

Each child will undergo three sessions, one every week for three weeks.