A community school has been given a set of hi-vis jackets to allow pupils to cycle safely around the area.

The jackets were donated to Peacehaven Community School as part of an initiative to increase the number of children cycling to and from school.

The jackets, donated by housebuilders Barratt Homes, will help children to be seen and to cycle safely in the winter when it gets dark earlier.

Ms Turner, assistant headteacher at the school, said: “Being able to ride in the neighbourhood with bright and visible clothing is imperative, so we are grateful for this thoughtful donation towards road safety.

“We would like to encourage as many children and their parents to cycle in to school as possible, with this having long-term health benefits and also help reduce carbon emissions in the local area, further benefiting children’s health and the environment in which we all live and work in.”

Recent figures from charity Cycling UK suggest that just over two per cent of pupils cycle to school compared to 35 per cent who are driven in.

The 30 hi-vis jackets will be given to students to promote cycle safety and to try and promote more sustainable modes of transport.