Football clubs unite to promote road safety for children

Four football clubs have agreed to take part in a new road safety campaign aimed at children.

Premier League Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion, together with Championship side Leeds United are to take part in the campaign, called THINK! which will concentrate on helping six to 11-year-olds to cross the road safely.

The four clubs, which are all based in areas where there is a higher than average casualty rate for children of that age, will assist the campaign by using their after-school clubs and activities in schools and match days to help children to stay safe on the roads.

Mike Penning, road safety minister said: “Britain's roads are among the safest in the world but last year more than 1,600 children were killed or seriously injured - that's 31 children every week. We need to think of new ways to reach children and make sure that they are given the skills they need to keep themselves safe on the roads as they grow up and gain independence.”