Highways Agency Traffic Officers in Lancashire will be departing from their usual motorway duties this month - instead taking their high visibility four wheel drive vehicle on the school run!

On Monday week (May 19) a crew of Traffic Officers from the Highways Agency's Lancashire outstation just off the M6 at Samlesbury is visiting St Barnabas Church of England Primary School at Darwen as part of the school's People Who Keep Us Safe week.

Traffic Officers Wendy Penkethman and Paul Barratt will be showing off the yellow and black chequered four wheeled drive as well as explaining to the school's four and five-year-olds how the work of England's newest uniformed service helps keep their mums and dads on the move along the motorway network.

Wendy and Paul will also be talking to the youngsters about road safety and the dangers of playing around motorways.

Wendy, who is one of around 40 Traffic Officers at Samlesbury providing round-the-clock patrols along Lancashire's motorways - including the M65 near Darwen - said, "The aim is to tell the children a little about what we do and then for them to ask us any questions they may have. We will also show them around the vehicle and explain the equipment we carry. We are certainly hoping to give them a go at putting out traffic management cones and lanterns to get a real feel for the job!"

And Paul said, "The Highways Agency works very hard with other agencies across Lancashire to get road safety messages to children but as well as talking about our jobs we will also be spreading the word about the dangers of wandering onto the motorway."

Class teacher Joanna Turner said the children were excited about Traffic Officers attending the school.

She said, "We have had the police and fire and rescue services here in the past but this is a first with the Traffic Officers. I am sure the youngsters will particularly enjoy giving the four wheel drive car the once over!

"As well as getting safety advice the children get a lot from engaging with people from the real world."